So, what does this mean for us mortals off the runway? Well.. the anthropologist in me knows that notions of gender in society are constantly changing and that clothing can tell us much about a culture. If you have watched one second of Mad Men you know it took a lot for Peggy to make it into the lion's den and that January Jone's character was anything but happy in her feminine cage.
However; today it isn't so black and white. There are articles in gender studies and anthropology which discuss how clothing reflects specific gender roles. The fitted waist and full skirts of the 50's accentuated fertility and the woman's role in the home after the men came home again. The 20's boyish shapes were neutral not fitted -the 80's went full suit and hide the female and broadened the shoulders. Curiously, we see shoulder pads and large shoulders in the 40's also around the time women were in factories and taking on what were seen as traditionally masculine roles.
In our society we fought for the right to vote, to marry whom we choose, to inherit property, to work outside the home and get paid as much as men (even though this is ongoing) and along the way we may have swung to the extreme in our dress and attitudes? Fashion wise, I am the first one come summer to dawn a flip flop and I love a pair of jeans. But is there is something to say about just how lazy we have gotten in terms of how we often dress? If I see another person with their hair uncombed and in pajamas shopping I might loose it. Perhaps, some cultures have it right less is more? We work hard and sometimes all of us in this culture forget to take time to care for ourselves. Does this means roles are reversing and women will be back in the home exclusively? Not necessarily, there is a middle ground and maybe it's just leveling out.... There are many women who work and have children, some who have worked but choose to stay home for a few years to raise their children and others who choose not to have children at all.
The Runway: It's all about reinventing bags and dresses using the 50's lines and shapes. About capturing and reworking femininity. You should see Prada's new bag! Vintage fashion aficionados will recognize that shape and metal lip instantly! Honestly, I see the women of now in these clothing as well. Either way, I do think the look is something fun to try again. Especially, in the spring and summer when dresses are a welcome sight.
Granny Chic?
Okay then, how can we use vintage pieces without our outfits seeming tired, looking like Grandma (no offense) or backtracking?
1. I think firstly, you can look at some unique vintage pieces for inspiration in terms of shapes, prints or colors to have in mind when shopping for new pieces- maybe use pin it or a scrapbook and create an exclusively vintage 50's inspiration board.
Wear it:
2.You can combine some of the new trendy labels with the older original jewelry or accessories:
Nettie Rosenstein jewelry
Gator bags
50's-60's clutches in general
Clasp style 50's purses
1950's Shoes if you can find a pair in your size
Colorful or round beads or print SCARVES- these are a big yes now Finally!
3. You can throw one 1950s dress and one circa 50's skirt into your current wardrobe. Be careful in terms of the dress, as you don't want to look like a museum exhibit. If you are feeling uncertain stick with the skirt and a few authentic accessories. The skirts can be worn just like you see the new versions done in magazines- grab a couple of them and see how they are doing it.
4. Have some fun and make this your version of the feminine- maybe just sprinkle in a little. The silver lining fuller figures and shapes were actually sexy back then so in some ways the trend celebrates the beauty of the female body. Think Adele at this year's Grammy's with the lips and hair/jewelry- channeling the trend on her own terms:)
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