1950s American Fashion

Proven author and fashion expert Jonathan Walford provides a concise examination of one of the most pivotal decades in American fashion in this colourful guide to the clothes that marked the 1950s.

The 1950s was the first decade when American fashion became truly American. American designers looked to what American women needed and found inspirations for American fashion design. This title follows the American fashion industry from New York's 7th Avenue to the beaches of California in search of clothes that defined 1950s American fashion.The 1950s was the first decade when American fashion became truly American. The United States had always relied on Europe for its style leads, but during World War II, when necessity became the mother of invention, the country had to find its own way. American designers looked to what American women needed and found new inspirations for American fashion design. Sportswear became a strength, but not at the expense of elegance. Easy-wear materials were adapted for producing more formal clothes, and versatile separates and adaptable dress and jacket suits became hallmarks of American style. This book follows the American fashion industry from New York's 7th Avenue to the beaches of California in search of the clothes that defined 1950s American fashion.