From austerity to prosperity, post-war fashion in the Fifties brought with it an air of timeless elegance and femininity. And as a period of exciting innovation and style, it's no wonder the 21st century world of fashion loves to relive one of the most influential decades of the century.
Dolce and Gabbana's most recent collection transported audiences to a colourful Italian summer of decades past, with models adorning the catwalks in bright patterned frocks, striped cropped tops, embroidered pencil skirts, headbands and nipped in waists.
Details which are all reminiscent of the perfectly feminine Fifties ensemble. But what makes this era – decorated with brightly patterned dresses, full skirts, nipped-in-waists (waspie waists) and pencil slim tubular skirts – the fashion phenomenon it is today?
After the wartime rashioning of fabric came a transformation into sophistication, luxury and charm. Fashion found a way to escape everyday life with beautiful, exuberant designs and plush fabrics. Christian Dior, domineer of the decade, dispensed of the housewife persona and put fashion’s focus to the ‘New Look’. The Princess Line was created in 1953, a collection that showcased wide, full skirts and bright, bold colours.
Iconic Italian ladies such as film stars Claudia Cardinale and Sophia Loren also played their part in shaping the fashion of the Fifties. Exuding confidence and charm in stripes and waist defining skirts, they were in the spotlight then, and continue to reign on the runway today.