Tuesday 17 March 2015

The 1950's Dressmaking

It was six hundred and fifty thousand years ago that men initially started covering themselves. This was not with any clothes, but with pelts and plant materials. Back in the days, the appearance held no importance, but it was the warmth and comfort that was mainly significant. In the intervening epoch, the concept of clothing as an identity went really far. Then came the 1950’s style fashion that can be considered as timeless as it has survived many decades and it is still very in vogue.
The 1950s style fashion revival is not a surprise to any of us with the return of the fifties wiggle and swing dress, swimsuit, ballet flat, skinny’s ties, fedora hats, and bowling shirts for men. People still find it stylish to dress up in a vintage inspired Rockabilly wardrobe and very often you can find event being organised which are themed on the fifties as well as wedding or prom themed on that particular golden era. There is even a mobile bingo site called Bingo Extra which is exclusively themed on the fifties and the retro style that has marked history. Bingo Extra has brought back to life the vintage style that might bring back some good old memories to many of us, while providing the best of bingo games, slots, roulette, poker, etc.
During the period of World War II which was in the 1940’s, clothing was significantly affected by rationing and limited supply of fabrics and equipment such as thread and needle. During this period, the most popular fashion was just simple dresses which were designed using the minimum of the scarce materials that were available for sewing. After World War II ended, it brought a breeze of fresh air to the fashion industry as availability of new fabrics, more variety and choice, and larger quantities of these materials made the 50’s fashion to bloom in all its splendour. This was the time when excess fabrics in clothing was considered as chic, where most of the ladies were showing off their multitude of pleats, fabulous collars, intricate gatherings, puffy petticoats, all made from the best nylon, rayon, taffeta, leather and wool which were available in the boldest and brightest colours and patterns.
During the 50’s, many countries such as the US and the UK experienced one of the biggest economic boom which propelled them to great riches, and this made people become greater consumer, not only for food but for clothing and fashion as well. This lead to a chance in culture where fashion became stylish and extravagant at the same time. Style clothing became one of the most important part in culture of the 50’s and it was a way to show off their status and traditional detachment. Dressing in Vintage clothing would showcase one’s place in society and quickly became a way to display individual identity.
Fashion in the 50’s then began to emphasise conformity in the way a woman’s body should be, which included thin waist with a well-defined hip, a larger backside, and shapely bosoms. Therefore women had to shape their body in a particular way to best fit in the latest fashion.
This was only the beginning of the upcoming diversity and individually that would become the main focus in fashion and this has not changed till now.