Then&Now: Dior

Then- Life Magazine captured these photos of legendary French designer Christian Dior preparing for one of his fashion shows in the 1950’s. Can’t you just hear the swish of the skirts as each model moves toward Dior for his inspection? And you can almost feel the creative tension as he (upper right) critiques each article of clothing while his assistants quickly take notes for any adjustments.

Now- Inspired by similar shots of Dior dressing his ‘mannequins,‘ Vogue Magazine’s Fashion Editor Grace Coddington and photographer Arthur Elgort created this picture of model Karlie Kloss in a state of chic ‘déshabillé.’ Silk-tulle skirt and bra by Dior Haute Couture.

Then&Now: J.Crew

My art school teachers always used to say that in the design world (fashion, interior design, etc) there’s nothing really new. Most of it is simply “re-cycled, re-interpreted, re-worked, and re-issued.” I think that’s why I hold onto old magazines. I enjoy seeing how fashion trends come, go and then come back. Take a look at these pages from J.Crew and you’ll see what I mean.

Then- Fall, 1994. J.Crew model wears flannel plaid shirt, ripped jeans and leather boots.

Now- Fall, 2009. The plaid shirt and ripped jeans reappear with the addition of a pink cardigan, coat and converse sneakers.

Collecting Postcards

Most people collect postcards for the photographs or illustrated fronts. I save them for the messages on the backs. I can’t help but wonder who the senders and the recipients were. What were their stories? How were they connected to each other? And where are they now?

Related Nibs post-

StyleFile #24: Polaroids, Pictures And Postcards

KidFile #2: Easy To Make Christmas Postcards

Collecting Bookplates

Memorial Day

Much to the relief of my grandparents, my dad was too young to serve during World War II. But he enlisted in the armed forces anyways and was later stationed on Adak, one of the Aleutian islands off the coast of mainland Alaska. Although the war was over, there were still lots of reminders on the island- broken plane parts, bullet shells and of course, the talk of those G.I.s who had actually seen combat in Europe. These men spoke of the battles fought and the many friends who, sadly, didn’t make it home.

My dad is in the front row, fifth man from the left.

Over forty years later, our son Curtis (at age 8) tried on my dad’s uniform jacket and hat.

Then&Now: 1950’s Swimsuits

Then- By the time the 1950’s came around, swimwear was no longer made from wool but from lined cotton or the new synthetic material called Lastex. This allowed designers to create suits (one piece as well as the new two piece) in all sorts of colors and patterns.

Then- The two piece suit here has a solid colored tank and skirt with unmatched bottoms.

Now- Taking a cue from the fun fifties, designer Orla Kiely has included in her spring/summer collection this delightful floral suit and…

…this two piece. Nice detail with the ruffle! And check out her…

...cute bra and skirt ensemble.  Perfect for a day at the beach.

(Top photos- Life Magazine)

Related Nibs post-

Then&Now: 1920’s Swimsuits

Then&Now: 1920’s Swimsuits

Swimming attire has had an interesting history. In ancient Greece and Rome, for example, women wore very little or nothing at all. But with the fall of Rome and through the Victorian era came a period of complete coverage- long sleeved wool dresses worn with bloomers. By the 1920’s, swim suits were inching upwards following the current fashion of rising hemlines.

Then- In 1926 fashionable swimmers reveal arms and legs which was considered a lot of exposure!

Then- ‘Lehmann Stern Superknit‘ label. A vintage black wool one piece suit with raspberry red pockets and trim.

Then-‘Water Sprite’ label. A vintage sky blue and white striped wool one piece with belt loops.

Then- ‘Schumelers Athletic Goods, Atlantic City’ lable. A vintage birght orange wool one piece suit.

Now- Capture the 1920’s in these two wonderful swimsuits from Lina Rennell

Note- More 1920’s bathing suits can be seen here.

(Top photos- Cobis, Life Magazine. Vintage suits- James Montague)

Update- Swimsuits from Urban Outfitters:

Bright red suit.

Navy and white striped suit.

“I’m Hip…”

Blossom Dearie, the jazz singer with a child-like voice, died on February 7. I heard her popular song “I’m Hip” playing on the radio yesterday and thought I’d post it for those who are unfamiliar with her music.

Miss Lachasse

No, this is not a vintage Barbie doll. But a 1954 doll named ‘Miss Lachasse.’ She was created to look like popular model Virginia Woodford (below) and toured as part of an exhibit to raise money for the Greater London Fund. All the clothing pictured (including the smallest known nylons) are examples of what a typical couture client would have in her closet!

Miss Lachasse was currently part of another exhibit- ‘The Golden Age Of Couture, Paris & London 1947-1957′ held last year at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Then&Now: Cossack Hats

History- The name ‘Cossack‘ refers to specific militaristic people-groups of different ethnic backgrounds that lived in eastern Europe and Russia during the 16-18th century. Many served as border guards for towns and trading posts. The cold climate influenced their apparel and the large hats kept them warm!

Then- In 1967 Look Magazine was permitted entrance into a tightly closed Russia to photograph current fashions including trendy cossack hats. The coat was designed by Vyacheslav Zaitzev.

Then- Two different materials of hats- felted wool (left) and fur (right).  Bright colored suits were also designed by Vyacheslav Zaitzev.

Then- European women indulged in this trend as well in the ’60s.

Now- They’re becoming popular again.  This one from Lola Hats.

Now- Beyond Retro’s hat gets you ready for the great out doors!

What do you think about the cossack hat? Would you wear one?

(Photos- google images, Look Magazine, Italian Vogue)

Then&Now: George Nelson’s Modern Classics

At the end of World War ll, Americans were casting aside traditional furniture for the designs of architect-turned-designer  George Nelson. He was definitely up to the challenge and in 1947 unveiled more than 70 separate pieces in his first collection. The designs have great modern lines yet remain distinctly Nelson’s by following his own three rules-

1. Make it simple.

2. Make it flexible.

3. Make it honest, without superficial style tricks.

Now more than fifty years later they are considered modern classics and highly sought after!

Then- A 1947 color photo shows a few of Nelson’s designs- storage units with blond primavera wood and black lacquer, a slat bench (units are on top of it),  and the coffee table which is a good example of his love for multi-purposed furniture. The ends of the table pull out to reveal…

… removable trays and when left in they provide more surface space.

Then- One of Nelson’s most popular (and my favorite piece) was the slatted bench.

Now- These photos were pulled from an auction catalog dated July, 2000. But they give an idea of how the prices continue to go up for Nelson’s furniture. The two slat benches were listed for $700 (left) and $900 (under cabinet). The ebonized storage cabinet went for $1200.

Then- Another great multi-purposed piece was this end table with built in planter and swagged arm lamp.

Now- On the right is the same end table/lamp/planter up for sale at $500.

(Photos- Better Homes and Gardens, 1947. Auction catalog)