Harper’s Bazaar magazine has a long history of producing some of the most amazing fashion photography around. Back in the ’40s and ’50s, they published many works by Louise Dahl-Wolfe - here are some personal favourites. They display the sought-after refined elegance of the age, as well as some lovely outfits.

As always, click on an image to see in full, and then click again for the original size.

These images re-posted with thanks from Livejournal’s foto_decadent community, originally posted by user ana-lee.

It may be a little while before I get to go back to the harbour city, but if you’re already there (or going there soon) you might like to check out these events - if only to make me envious!

Rockabilly: Living the ’50s.

The 1950s was an exuberant decade that saw the birth of rock and roll, new fashions and social mores, and a breakaway generation who became known as teenagers. At the turn of the 21st century there are some for whom the ’50s never died. Photographer Steven Siewert has spent years documenting Sydney’s rockabillies, a vibrant subculture who live and breathe an era that predates their earliest birthdays. The boys dress for cool with stovepipe jeans and slick quiffs, while the women wear dazzling cocktail frocks by night and colourful vintage dresses by day.

Museum of Sydney: on now until Sunday 17 August, 2008

Fifties Fair

Now in its 14th year the Fifties Fair has grown to become the ultimate 50s celebration, set perfectly against the striking modernism of Rose Seidler House.

This year’s program will include swing band Ben Jones Jazz and rockabilly band Pat Capocci Combo, a 50s DJ, dance demos, vehicle displays, street theatre and the famous Fifties Fair fashion awards. Make sure you dress up in your favorite 50s threads and visit the 50s stylist for that authentic look. Collectors will be in retro paradise with the cream of 50s specialist stalls, while kids are entertained by crafts, hula hoop and dance workshops.

Rose Seidler House - Sunday 24 August - 10.00am — 5.00pm - General $15 Conc/Members $8 Family $38

Words and photos naughtily stolen from the respective websites.

UPDATE: Received a comment from Oliver of Risky Lunar Love:

Hey Guys,

Oliver.

Another wonderful exhibition for your diary - it’s a way off yet but promises to be absolutely amazing for those of us who treasure vintage couture at it’s glamourous best.

What: The Golden Age of Couture: Paris and London 1947-1957. That’s Dior, sweetie!
Where: Bendigo Art Gallery
When: 7th December 2008 to 22nd March 2008

Details wantonly pinched from the BAG’s website:
Bendigo Art Gallery is proud to announce an outstanding exhibition for Summer 2008-09. The Golden Age of Couture: Paris and London 1947-1957, organised by the Victoria and Albert Museum London, will be presented in Australia exclusively at Bendigo Art Gallery.

The Golden Age of Couture explores one of the most glamorous and remarkable decades in fashion history. Starting with the impact of Christian Dior’s New Look after the Second World War, it looks at the work of Dior and his contemporaries during the period when haute couture was at its height.

95% of the garments displayed are from the Victoria and Albert’s own collection (one of the best in the world) - it’s a part of the incredible (and sadly, for me, missed) exhibition which recently closed at the V&A in London - also called The Golden Age of Couture. For those who love books, a fabulous edition is available.

This is exciting and major - here’s a pic from the V&A show - Chiffon evening gown by Jean Desses.

I kind of consider the 1950s (when it comes to fashion, at least) as starting with Dior’s New Look in 1947 and continuing until the early 1960s when styles became more simple, hemlines rose and the Mod era was born.

Here are some of my favourite garments from this time, and some choice pieces from the private collection of Dr Lynn Savery.

“Atomic” print cotton sundress

(more…)

We’ve been in the Blue Mountains this week to photograph some select couture pieces from Charlotte Smith’s Darnell Collection. Here you can see Charlotte sharing a fabulous beaded 1920s silk gown with us.

Charlotte is featured on this evening’s ABC programme The Collectors
Charlotte Smith’s collection has been described as “two centuries of elegance”. Three years ago Charlotte became the custodian of her godmother Doris Darnell’s world-renowned collection of vintage clothing and accessories, the largest of it’s kind in Australia. Dior, Versace, this collection has it all and it’s a treat indeed for the couture loving prof when he joins Charlotte for some high-end fashion ‘time travelling’.

You can see some more snaps I took during the session here. (more…)

Part Eight of the series on Loel Thomson’s Costume Collection.

Loel has created a lovely tableaux for two of her cotton ‘fifties frocks - I wish I had taken a close up of the one below, the cotton floral has that slightly uneven, slightly raised look that perhaps is hand-painted. It’s accessorised with a straw basket and glass necklace. I love the curtains!

(more…)

Had a wonderful time at Loel Thomson’s Costume Collection yesterday - many thanks to Loel for sharing her collection, and everyone who could join me.

Took many photos, and it’s hard to choose which to post, so shall bring them to you in sections according to category. The first one is appropriate as we consider the impending Spring and Summer: swimwear. Loel has set up a collection of men’s and ladies swimwear from the turn of the twentieth century to the 1970s - I especially like the way she’s accessorised everything!

Come inside for closer shots of some of my favourite bathing suits. (more…)

I’ve been furiously washing-ironing-mending to get some great new printed cotton frocks into the shop for the new season and wanted to share some of my favourites:

The Chili Dress!
Can you believe a 50s cotton printed with photo style chilis? This little beauty has everything: full skirt, cinched waist, spaghetti straps and a wonderful robust vintage cotton fabric. Size 10 (waist 28 inches), this one is looking for a lady on the tall side.

Needing something for that beachside BBQ? This early 60s swing dress is perfect to pop over your bikini. Nice and generous in cut, this is the closest you’ll find to a vintage “one size fits all”. Love the double pockets!

Always wanted your very own YSL Modrian Shift? Well, perhaps the original maker of this little number did too - probably no older than the early ’80s (vintage to some these days), this one isn’t actually printed, it’s pieces of coloured cotton sewn together. A small size, it’s looking for someone with slim hips; no larger than an eight.

Spring doesn’t start until tomorrow, but I couldn’t resist this frock!

Pure cotton in a lovely ’50s print, the bodice is fully boned and the skirt is a full circle (and the original length!).
Size 8, so the waist is 26 inches. Accessorised with a black bakelite bead necklace. Under the skirt is a full tulle petticoat to boof out the skirt, but it looks great just as it is without the extra fullness.

Available in store now, you won’t find another.

For those who will be in Sydney on Sunday August 26th, I recommend the Fifties Fair.

This is a fabulous annual event, now in it’s thirteenth year. I only wish I could be there too! Perhaps next year.