1950s American Fashion (Shire Library USA Book 695)

I really like the fact that so many american designers were highlighted in this book.Origin of the american fashion industry- really good overview on the times that shaped american clothing.The american look-High Fashion-really good chapter on the styling's of the time.Designers and Manufacturers of high fashion-Section detailing the designers during the era.Off the rack-from seventh avenue to Hollywood-My favorite chapter detailing the styling's of the era.Designers and Manufacturers of everyday fashions-exactly as stated another section detailing more designers of the era.Tops and bottoms-American hats and shoes-as stated a section on hats and shoes worn during that time frame.I have to be honest and say it took me a while to finish the book, even though its not a long book-It is boring.The author tells about a designers company in a short paragraph usually where they were located , the years they were in business. There are some photos but not every designer has a photo of their work. This was the boring part of the book, It has paragraph upon paragraph of this info and that is about half of the book. When off the rack starts it goes more into the designing of the clothes and what types of clothing were actually worn.Its not an expensive book, and since we live in the age of Pinterest and google-it should be super easy to pull up the names and see if they have work available for show.Is this book worth it? Undecided, as I wanted more information about the styling of american 1950's clothing as opposed to the persons and companies that arose during that time frame. I do however see a fashion historian getting much more use from this book.

In only 64 pages this little book captures the major historical points and American fashion designers of both high and low fashion in the 1950's. It is short and to the point and a good place to begin further fashion research and to keep as a reference. The chapters are Origins of the American Fashion Industry (good overview), The American Look- High Fashions (nice to read anything just about American fashion instead of French or British), Designers and Manufacturers of High Fashion (just a big list), Off the Rack- From Seventh Avenue to Hollywood (A less talked about subject which I love), and Designers and Manufactures of Everyday Fashions (another big list.)This is not the end all be all to 1950s fashion like Walford's  Forties Fashion: From Siren Suits to the New Look by Jonathan Walford Reprint edition (2011)  was for the 1940's but it is a start and one I am glad to have in my collection.

A great overview of fashions and designers who came to prominence in the 1950's. Excellent photos, too. I enjoyed it.

Came in great condition

Excellent text and images.

I really can't say enough about Mr. Walford's book.It is the sourcebook for fashion of the period.Highly informative and highly readable.Can't recommend it enough.

This book was Great!!! I am 13 and I was reading this book for my class based off what career type u want to do in the future. I want to design so I read this book and it is amazing with good facts and easy to read. I'm also reading this on my Kindle and I loved reading this on the go. Please read this book if your interested in fashion and kind of old but very interesting and unique life styles!

I own a small collection of approximately 30 books on vintage clothing and frequent the library often for more. I think this little book is a gem. An easy read, beautifully illustrated and excellent insight into the 1950s world of fashion, following designers as well as trends that influenced American fashion. This book will stay in my stack of "favorites". Whether you sell vintage clothing, have a personal collection of vintage clothing or are simply interested in learning more about vintage clothing, I think you will be pleased with this book.

Has a lot of informtion for such a thin book and shows some lovely fashion pictures. A nice introductory little book for someone interested in this subject.

Quite small book, but one of the best examples of the 50's fashion.

Excellent product, good service.

This is a lovely book with lots of fashion photos.

Das Titelbild ist schon das Highlight. Sonst eher ein doofes kleines Heft. Nichts was man sich nicht zusammen googeln könnte.