1950s Fashion Meet the Biggest Names Of The Decade

When it comes to fashion, change is inevitable and will always be an integral part of what keeps the industry dynamic and captivating. In the ‘50s, fashionable pieces become more accessible for the lower classes. It was an era where cutting edge-fashion entered the scene, together with some of the most notable fashion icons in history.

Marilyn Monroe

In 1953, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes brought the name and face of Marilyn Monroe to the forefront, winning her almost instant international sex symbol status, and making her a fashion sensation int he process. When she sang “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend,” Monroe captured the essence of glamour for an entire generation. Monroe remains one of the greatest icons in the fashion and beauty industries.

Grace Kelly

Whether on or off the screen, Grace Kelly’s outfits were always the talk of the town during the ‘50s. In 1956, during her wedding to Prince Rainier III of Monaco, her dress exceeded all expectations. Her Helen Rose gown, considered one of the most elegant wedding dresses of all time, was the inspiration the dress Kate Middleton wore at her royal wedding.

Alfred Hitchcock and Edith Head

1954: Movie still from Alfred Hitchcock — John Springer Collection/GettyImages

Hitchcock, the legendary Hollywood director, and Head, his preferred costume designer, were definitely an A-team. They worked to give their audience some of the best fashion moments on the big screen, including increasing the budget so Grace Kelly’s character, Francie, could carry a Hermès bag in To Catch a Thief, giving birth to the first “it bag” of the industry.

Brigitte Bardot

In 1953, Bardot was just a wide-eyed newcomer at the Cannes Film Festival, but she was working the floral bandeau on the beach flawlessly. The bikini, although invented in 1946, didn’t reach must-have status until Bardot was seen modelling it risqué-style on the beach. Along with boosting the bikini’s popularity, this image also helped further Bardot’s career.

Sophia Loren

The 1950s gave way for another beauty and fashion icon to come into the limelight. Sophia Loren, an Italian actress, got her first major role in the film Aida, becoming quickly known not only for her wit but for her beauty as well. She was once quoted saying to a reporter that “Everything you see, I owe to spaghetti,” replying to a comment on her hourglass figure.

Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn’s career kicked off in 1953, thanks to her lead role in Roman Holiday. The newest on-screen beauty knew she had to invest in a better wardrobe once the offers started rolling in thick and fast. She took a punt on a beautiful yet relatively unknown brand: Givenchy. Considering the label’s monumental success, she certainly chose wisely.

Fiona Campbell-Walte

Fiona Campbell-Walter is the epitome of vintage 1950s fashion that we’d love to put up all over our Pinterest boards. Her elegance and grace shine through the old photographs, even today. Fiona was said to charge up to £2,000 for each shoot, an amount considered to be big money back then. One thing’s for sure though, she was definitely worth it.