1950s

There was no change of direction on the political, economic, or fashion scenes to mark the start of the new decade. The war was over and life for the people of the 50s was good. The 1950’s were conservative, optimistic and sophisticated with the new captivating dimension of Television.  

The women of the 50s had the house to clean, the children to look after and barbecues and cocktail parties to plan. The focus of women in the fifties was to be the house wife. There were many occasions to dress up and dress up she did.  Christian Dior’s “New Look" and Coco Chanel helped out immensely with their glamorous designs to give her the “every inch the lady” look that was taught virtually from the cradle.  She wore gloves and simple feminine swing or pencil styled skirts that accentuated the hour glass figure. Teen girls were as conservative and preppy as their parents.  They wore dresses every-day, and petticoats over big gathered shirts. Cardigan sweaters worn backwards with the buttons down the back with a string of pearls or scarf. With Marilyn Monroe performing in The Asphalt Jungle and All about Eve, both in 1950, attention started soaring for the actress and model. Marilyn, even now is known as a pop and cultural icon.

America had emerged from the war years with increased prosperity. Wartime restrictions had been quickly removed, and the new “consumer society” was forging ahead, helped by such new developments as the start of the credit card system in 1950. But many European countries, Britain included, were still rebuilding their shattered economies, and there rationing continued well into the next decade. The new colours of the 50s were pastels – feminine shades, that would usually  be associated with bedroom and bathroom interior became popular in the kitchens.