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Francesseca Nelson
Mr. Kozak
Part 4
14 December 2012
Fashion in the 1950s
Fashion is a way of expressing of yourself and how you fell. Just by the way you dress
can tell someone who you are and how you’re feeling. Fashion in the 50s was very diverse
because it was the era where women started to express themselves, icons like Marilyn Monroe,
Elizabeth Taylor, and Audrey Hepburn were leading ladies in fashion during that time some of
the.
In the article The Classic Style of Audrey Hepburn by Keogh, Pamela Clarke she define
Audrey as one of the most iconic people in the 1950s was Audrey Hepburn not only she was an
amazing actress but also a fashion icon who changed the way woman view them and the way
woman dresses. Some of Audrey’s most elegant look is her Breakfast at Tiffany’s sleeveless
black dress by Givenchy (who was one of her favorite designer) she paired the gorgeous dress
with triple-strand pearl necklace and oversize sunglasses. Audrey’s style was very unique and
classic which make it easier for any women to copy her style, all you’ll need to pull an Audrey
look is a little black cocktail dress; a classic sleeveless sheath; a jazzy suit; lean trousers; ballet
flats; sneakers; big dark sunglasses and you’ll be Audrey Hepburn look ready. Some of her
favorite designers include Coco Chanel and Givenchy. Still Today Audrey is known as one of
the greatest fashion icons in the 1950s.
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Another fashion icon in the 1950s was Elizabeth Taylor one of one of the greatest
Hollywood’s beauties. As Fashion's Most Wanted: Hollywood Icons describe she holds the
record for the most appearances on the cover of Life magazine. Which was previously held by
Princess Diana. Elizabeth was envy by many designers because she was the perfect Hollywood
women to showcase their works to the public. But one of her favorite couturier was Marc Bohan
of Christian Dior who she remained loyal to for decades, she purchased hundred separate couture
outfits from Dior. She also had a love for jewelry with pieces from leading designer like
Boucheron, Bulgari, Cartier, Tiffany and David Webb. Her husband Richard Burton who knew
how much she loved jewelry bought her a staggering 69.42 carat pear shaped diamond for
$1,100,000 from Cartier so she could it to her collection of diamonds. Her love for fashion made
her one of the most glamorous star for decades still today a year after her death her fragrance,
and jewelry collections are on the bestselling lists which make one of the most respected and
beloved in Hollywood.
Another one of my favorite idol is the gorgeous Marilyn Monroe who becomes the
symbol for sexiness. As The Daily Fashion & Style for women and men, Latest Fashion Trends
and Tips and Fashion Designers states Marilyn managed to become a style figure for many
women, and a dream girlfriend for many men. Marilyn managed to make herself admired by
posing in different sensual and attractive posture like the infamous pose over a subway wearing a
white dress. Marilyn always wears feminine outfits that work to her advantage by showing off
her gorgeous curves. Still today women look up to her as an inspiration. Beautiful modern
dresses and revealing, lovely gowns, gorgeous pencil skirts and pin-up outfits were some of the
must have outfits fir Marilyn. With a breathtaking beauty, a spectacular voice, and a magnificent
fashion style Marilyn Monroe was (still is) was of the most beloved fashion idol of all time.
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The 1950s also introduced some amazing new designers who brought new trends and
ideas. One of the most recognize designer in the 1950s was Christian Dior his ball gowns were
wanted by every A-lister which is why most critiques name him the King of French fashion. As
Eras of Elegance Biography 7.3 (2003): 50. MasterFILE Premier cites Coco Chanel who also is
French as Christian Dior also made a name for herself in fashion one of her most of her work
includes dresses, suits, purses and sophisticated evening gowns. Designers like Oscar De La
Renta also made himself know in the 50s with his lavish romantic gowns. All of these designers
still today are very well known and are some of the most respected designers in the fashion
industry.
The 50s styles was also when women started to ushering in the feminine style of fashion
with icon like Marilyn Monroe introducing the sexy side of women by showing more skin, also it
was the time where women started to wear pants. In Hays, Ann "FABULOUS '50S FASHIONS. (Cover
Story)." Doll Reader 36.9 (2008): 44 it states that the 50s was the era where man started to care about
what they look like. 50s trend includes polka dots poodle skirt, halter dresses (which is one of my
favorite).
One take-away that I have from this project is diverse fashion is not only that it changes almost
every with new trends, but it also varies through the years and each decade is very different from the
other. Which is why the 50s is one of my favorite decades of fashion, I mean poodle skirt and halter
dresses are never out of style. Another thing I learn from this project is how Marilyn and Audrey were
two different people and that they each influence women in their own ways.
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Works Cited
Keogh, Pamela Clarke. "The Classic Style Of Audrey Hepburn." Instyle 6.5 (1999): 238.
MasterFILE Premier. Web. 29 Nov. 2012.
"Fashion's Most Wanted: Hollywood Icons - Elizabeth Taylor." Fashion's Most Wanted.
N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Dec. 2012.
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"Style Icon Marilyn Monroe." Daily Fashion & Style for women and men, Latest
Fashion Trends and Tips and Fashion Designers. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Dec. 2012
"Eras of Elegance." Biography 7.3 (2003): 50. MasterFILE Premier. Web. 30 Nov. 2012.