1950’s 1950-1959

Introduction 1950 – War in Korea 1951 – Rock and Roll & Color TV in America 1954 – Segregation illegal in US 1954 – Coco Chanel reopened Paris fashion house 1955 – James Dean dies 1956 – Elvis Presley – Love me Tender 1956 – Velcro introduced to public 1957 – Sputnik – First satellite to orbit Earth 1959 – Barbie Dolls invented 1959 – Alaska & Hawaii become states

Influences US emerged victorious from WWII TV was in many households – I Love Lucy, The Honeymooners – reflected ideals of time Marilyn Monroe & Elvis Presley – smoldering sex appeal into an age of conservatism Consumerism – popular pastime – post war boom provided economic optimism Electric stoves, vacuum cleaners, etc. Grease – 1950’s styles

Teenagers Focal point of the era “Rebel without a Cause” Beatnik Culture – Leather jackets, Levi’s and Converse sneakers, white t-shirts Circle & poodle skirts Ponytails Saddle shoes, Penny loafers and colored sneakers Capri pants Boys – all-American – letter jackets, penny loafers

Silhouettes Dior’s New Look – Hourglass H-Line – tunic suit with dropped waist – 20’s style Chanel – boxy Chanel suit – rectangular The Sack – Givenchy – straight, waist less shift dress Trapeze dress – triangular – Yves St. Laurent Pencil Skirt “Baby doll Dress” – Empire waist – a line skirt

Designers Coco Chanel Dior Givenchy Mary Quant – up and coming designer – designs aimed at those under 25

Hair Styles/Accessories Stiletto Heel – 1951 Colorful – match every outfit Beehive Plastic rollers & hairspray extremely popular White gloves Men – duck tail - Rebel

Men Styles Early 50’s – trim quiet look Dark colors – blue, brown and gray Gray Flannel Suit