CQJP 2019 - May Block, 1950s

Here she is, the all-American girl!  Women of the 50s became consumers.  They left the workplace after the men returned from war and went back to work.  There was a move to fashion and away from the practical.  No more rationing!  They were elegant, polished and charming.  It seemed the height of chivalry when men held the door for them, lit their cigarettes, helped them with their coats, carried their packages for them and treated their women quite royally.  The 50s was also the beginning of differences between more mature women and the young teens.  Neither imitated the other for the most part.  It was fun to be young yet also ideal to be the grownup.  My lady is the more mature woman who wore elegant clothing when they went out, cocktail dresses for the evening out and classic fashions during the day.  Mink coats and stoles, pearls, rhinestones, chiffon, silks, crinoline and other frivolous items were part of the wardrobes during the 1950s.

The ideal figure was tall with small bones, sloping shoulders, a tiny waist and a graceful neckline.  Hats and gloves were still very common.  Also common were hairstyles such as the French roll and Beehive, otherwise hair was shorter.  Emphasis was on the bust and hips and shoulder pads were removed.  Two types of skirt silhouettes were common, full skirts known as bouffant skirts emphasized a tiny waistline and straight skirts referred to as pencil skirts defined the curves and elongated the legs.   Sweater sets also flattered and emphasized a woman's figure. 

Lots of stripes, polka dots and checks/gingham were evident during this decade and styles were influenced by French and Italian fashion.  I chose yellow, black and white to reflect the elegance and European influence.  Of course every lady wore a girdle/garter belt and nylons (before pantyhose were invented).  Another indicator of the 50s were those flattering yet uncomfortable and "dangerous" stiletto heels.  

Although I painted a white skirt I decided to do a black netting over that area so it would show up better.  

Just a few of the influential people of the time included Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Annette Funicello, Doris Day, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor.  Lawrence Welk and American Bandstand were popular on TV.  Three Coins in the Fountain film, TV, drive-in movies, malt shops, and Vogue, Glamour, Mademoiselle Magazines all influenced the 50s.  Popular dances of the time included Rock 'n Roll, the Stroll, Twist, Rock, Jive, Samba, Rumba, Mambo and Cha Cha Cha.

During the 1950s the USA was a dominant country with a stable economy with American made products.  Eisenhower was President during this time.  Alaska and Hawaii joined the union.  Inventions included TV, vacuums, freezers and of course the Barbie doll.  On the downside this decade is also affected by polio and the iron lung.

How many of you remember the 1950s decade?  Would love if you shared your experiences and memories!