1950's Fashion Illustrations

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzT0X_-kVfYHb_BYXTFZdBWZvFKbwaxGMiJH3tyN4TilearOI6eBsyznBddt-vjubFw-M_f4y9KprCWvycX2iNI3hfxidsP6RH1OqULH1fsiFakJp_sbqUWzXgVYffwUuaJ6D-YMQbTwN/s1600-h/P6250076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibzT0X_-kVfYHb_BYXTFZdBWZvFKbwaxGMiJH3tyN4TilearOI6eBsyznBddt-vjubFw-M_f4y9KprCWvycX2iNI3hfxidsP6RH1OqULH1fsiFakJp_sbqUWzXgVYffwUuaJ6D-YMQbTwN/s400/P6250076.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Dramatic strokes in black create impact and visual texture in these magazine illustrations for several Simplicity sewing patterns from the mid 1950's.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Deep black strokes of what is probably charcoal are seen on a textured paper that make for a high energy composition with rough lines. In creating the illustrations, the artist developed the color areas first, probably using opaque gouache, a water soluble paint.  Details were left out in the high light areas so that the overall effect wouldn't be flat or even.  The body and face are colorless as well, giving the garment full focus in the layout.  Over this first layer of color, black strokes were then applied.  Finer ink lines from a pen then detail the faces and garment structure.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_-w1THowXLBHXIRj8Z5E5WX0cISjsBD0MSTnqNsoSc3QlIRLFwHt2gjlb8q9kDwtqQyF7MaZfaYALyLTwUEXp50SAhUOEDCw8g_j0Gzh-YsLnUYVUfbGjPAENYeUAXdQebjVn7yimd9x/s1600-h/P6250078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_-w1THowXLBHXIRj8Z5E5WX0cISjsBD0MSTnqNsoSc3QlIRLFwHt2gjlb8q9kDwtqQyF7MaZfaYALyLTwUEXp50SAhUOEDCw8g_j0Gzh-YsLnUYVUfbGjPAENYeUAXdQebjVn7yimd9x/s640/P6250078.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This illustration technique is developed from a well defined primary illustration that is layered under the top illustration paper, creating a guide for the artist to use as the color, then black lines are applied. Often a light table is required so that a thicker, more textured illustration paper can be used for the final work.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today fashion illustrators often use markers and marker paper, layering their primary sketch under the marker paper.  It would be used as a guide when applying marker ink strokes to the top layer of marker paper.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhhkpFNZCHz1kIN4FWxTpufNuyuPcqsGjXZdJlyED88RSg9wfbUGXpyPBXLe92knsUSTl1dzIIS3nk62lch3fjpwl4ZyGwasIhJtwy0PiNLaRyrOXayr-LDo7cOlA-d1IyrgTEL4dPbMS/s1600-h/Simp.+3857.+shirt+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhhkpFNZCHz1kIN4FWxTpufNuyuPcqsGjXZdJlyED88RSg9wfbUGXpyPBXLe92knsUSTl1dzIIS3nk62lch3fjpwl4ZyGwasIhJtwy0PiNLaRyrOXayr-LDo7cOlA-d1IyrgTEL4dPbMS/s640/Simp.+3857.+shirt+dress.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I thought it might be interesting to compare the first illustrations to these simple yet stylish versions of the same garments.  They are illustrations from the original pattern envelopes.  You can see how these versions are very simple, with clearly shown details and garment seam lines. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFTyJOd6BjeBw8IB1N0MkUCSNIeFP0KeaBE8VzEFnkRrUCJPZLMsJ4vpek1MLLf4leQtM3IUe_hNmUc3-sC_FMGhVfZLNgo1a_qavEZWOLsmHnzk1UQQkT8tvw_4_RwC-QGaztAzi48nb/s1600-h/Simplicity.+3848,+shirt+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFTyJOd6BjeBw8IB1N0MkUCSNIeFP0KeaBE8VzEFnkRrUCJPZLMsJ4vpek1MLLf4leQtM3IUe_hNmUc3-sC_FMGhVfZLNgo1a_qavEZWOLsmHnzk1UQQkT8tvw_4_RwC-QGaztAzi48nb/s640/Simplicity.+3848,+shirt+dress.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But even so, the green shirt waist dress (Simplicity 3848) does present an 'attitude' and bring style to the garment presentation.  The more simple red candy striped dress in the first example (Simplicity 3857) uses a quick repeat of the figure stance for the second figure which allows that illustrator to 'whip' out the illustration quickly.  The white blouse in that illustration is shaded with an india ink wash (black ink, diluted to grey with water). <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The dark green sheer shirtwaist in the lower illustration also uses a wash, this time water color or gouache is diluted with water so that it appears light and sheer like the fabric.  In the first set of illustrations, the magazine illustrator presented a more dramatic interpretation of this dress, with bold red gathers and a the bodice lining that is clearly defined.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Envelope illustrations provided the backbone of the pattern industry throughout the 1950's.  Inspiring to their readership, more dramatic illustrations gave a woman's magazine the opportunity to suppliment expensive fashion photography with dreamy illustrations for their readers to view.  <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Since I posted this popular article, I have added more fashion illustrations from the 1950's. You may want to check these out as well: <br><a href="http://pintuckstyle.blogspot.com/2011/12/sheath-cocktail-dresses-from-1958-fit.html">Cocktail dresses, 1958</a><br><a href="http://pintuckstyle.blogspot.com/2011/12/1958-back-views-cocktail-dressnew-year.html">Back Views of cocktail dresses, 1958</a><br><a href="http://pintuckstyle.blogspot.com/2012/07/dagmar-fashion-illustratior.html Dagmar">Dagmar, the illustrator</a><br><a href="http://pintuckstyle.blogspot.com/2012/01/rbw-count-rene-bouet-willaumez-fashion.html">Count Rene Bouet-Willaumez (RBW)</a>

1950's Fashion Illustrations

Dramatic strokes in black create impact and visual texture in these magazine illustrations for several Simplicity sewing patterns from the m...

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Fashion and Fabrics: Sewing Vintage Styles from the 1960s

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkCHC3cDupfktf9k15ZJUyZRYAubTvUBnxBPHdtL2Sm0MJoUVo-LtS0P7qR2LlnVcetlC4RBm2-b5Zhq6fqKQRcKYiKYLJ-urnVDmb1YD8miZy0mE_6zpTMS2uYyFzQ-hst_1sFOBWavdx/s1600-h/Slide3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkCHC3cDupfktf9k15ZJUyZRYAubTvUBnxBPHdtL2Sm0MJoUVo-LtS0P7qR2LlnVcetlC4RBm2-b5Zhq6fqKQRcKYiKYLJ-urnVDmb1YD8miZy0mE_6zpTMS2uYyFzQ-hst_1sFOBWavdx/s400/Slide3.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The image above from the early 1960's illustrates how a girl could plan her wardrobe around a single sewing pattern or style, just by using assorted fabrics and accessories.  Getting mileage out of a simple, classic silhouette was seen in many features of that time.  These examples are great ways to find inspiration today when sewing, and to help date an outfit from the early 1960's by the garment cut, silhouette, fabric and trim.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5wlguLooGz8ciY1GcxtoPqkaCLVjHYbHX51ze36SjVyOdvhS3mfe54rQ-RyK22AZQZPyzYZa3FOkeEZUzQxsa9MQx-8_6FuglGb7Ci7f1Y_3zCfrqx4T8hqQHCqYf_Li-2-3PVZgCdcg/s1600-h/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5wlguLooGz8ciY1GcxtoPqkaCLVjHYbHX51ze36SjVyOdvhS3mfe54rQ-RyK22AZQZPyzYZa3FOkeEZUzQxsa9MQx-8_6FuglGb7Ci7f1Y_3zCfrqx4T8hqQHCqYf_Li-2-3PVZgCdcg/s400/Slide1.JPG" /></a>Taking simple trims, like the lace motifs shown here was popular throughout the 60's.  With only a simple sheath, a great fashion statement can be created.   These spring and summer looks sport crisp linen fabrics with sharp white lace applique and linear trim texture for an 'icing' effect.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFU_IiKyV-CwrUyZ1I6vnLkrVLCW2-8rztgwLjE9JN43e4ZRqw72KkBw6eTBkaElOaeYHqbXg8o4nuGod3ptzLHrmWU-Gl49J2ElCxvSXLpMwYg3Jk4ItIdhvbqkqbUl_PnjCcOdAphbAG/s1600-h/Slide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFU_IiKyV-CwrUyZ1I6vnLkrVLCW2-8rztgwLjE9JN43e4ZRqw72KkBw6eTBkaElOaeYHqbXg8o4nuGod3ptzLHrmWU-Gl49J2ElCxvSXLpMwYg3Jk4ItIdhvbqkqbUl_PnjCcOdAphbAG/s400/Slide2.JPG" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> These fun looks are part of a 2 dart shift or 4 dart bodice dress designs.  The placement of linear applique was selected to elongate the figure and add slimming lines to looser styles.  These easy to sew silhouettes were the backbone of any girl's wardrobe--a "make it in one day" styles.  <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When looking for vintage patterns, those new to sewing should seek out these styles.  They often have great instructions, which can be used with a good sewing manual to create great outfits more easily. For advanced sewing projects, upgrade the textiles, lining and trims for a sophisticated style that can be easily altered for a perfect fit. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The pattern styles shown above may seem vintage, but they can be found currently in modern sewing patterns that have a more current fit with a wider range in sizes.  The following patterns are currently available in the Butterick catalog.  Pattern<a href="http://www.butterick.com/item/B5746.htm?tab=list/dresses&page=all">  5746 </a> is a classic darted bodice with fitted skirt (you add the sash).   This pattern can also be used to create a perfect fit body pattern, which is something you may want to have if you sew from vintage patterns and need to make alterations.  Patterns <a href="http://www.butterick.com/item/B5277.htm?tab=list/dresses&page=all">5277</a>  and <a href="http://www.butterick.com/item/B5407.htm?tab=yes_its_easy_see_sew&page=1">5407</a> are also darted, but without waistline seam, and the addition of cap sleeves.  Other fitted sheath dresses can be found in  <a href="http://www.butterick.com/item/B4386.htm?tab=list/dresses&page=all">Butterick 4386</a> and <a href="http://www.butterick.com/item/B5235.htm?tab=list/yes_its_easy_see_sew&page=all">5235</a>.  These have both bust and torso darts for a slender fit. A classic shift silhouette is <a href="http://www.butterick.com/item/B3880.htm?tab=list/yes_its_easy_see_sew&page=all">Butterick 3880</a>, that has a bustline dart for upper body fit.  Looser shift styles without darts can be found in <a href="http://www.butterick.com/item/B5211.htm?tab=list/dresses&page=all">Butterick 5211</a>, and <a href="http://www.butterick.com/item/B5269.htm?tab=list/yes_its_easy_see_sew&page=all">5269</a>.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You will find cool fabrics from the vintage sellers on Etsy and my own online vintage sewing shop: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/pintucksew">Pintuck Sew</a>.  Drop by, you may find the inspiration to sew up a quick dress!<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>illustrations are from: Better Homes and Gardens Sewing Book: 1961 and 1970.</i><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i> </i><br /></div>

Fashion and Fabrics: Sewing Vintage Styles from the 1960s

The image above from the early 1960's illustrates how a girl could plan her wardrobe around a single sewing pattern or style, just by us...

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Pintucks Vintage Fashion Trunk Show: Fashions for the Holidays

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We recently held a trunk show at a 1914 Craftsman home in the hills of Southern California.  Our space was in a large master bedroom with a gorgeous old dressing room adjacent.  It provided us with the perfect opportunity to display some holiday dresses and finery.  We had a great time meeting many of our new customers.  It was also fun to reunite with some regular customers from the old Pintucks boutique days!<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are some dreamy pix from that day in the hills with a view to the sea. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9JvXTds6bFX6GislsD8Hj2EKs8UtGFyOw0kwKgEwdTIP4Op_I-OB20RBb9jcYeKlX4zxKbF1-KKqIokOGMOOdlxGY6gxtAwa3cryWZzXBs18MivsH4iawIRcWfyVFO2UcvDAf0yjDp1gb/s1600/PB140056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9JvXTds6bFX6GislsD8Hj2EKs8UtGFyOw0kwKgEwdTIP4Op_I-OB20RBb9jcYeKlX4zxKbF1-KKqIokOGMOOdlxGY6gxtAwa3cryWZzXBs18MivsH4iawIRcWfyVFO2UcvDAf0yjDp1gb/s640/PB140056.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiC0eaiWzyxvZqQE0Uk2Wn7beGSRWxQIPC9zlA3Qv-6AeEpC4qdK1UoYaMV-aH0-qiGT7WO0fqkMWTtVwQsruW_7n5JCsZ7wB3kuM8CfNEm29Ou3UzVg3_uNAd3ZM408Vav6mjo00LMe1x/s1600/PB140075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiC0eaiWzyxvZqQE0Uk2Wn7beGSRWxQIPC9zlA3Qv-6AeEpC4qdK1UoYaMV-aH0-qiGT7WO0fqkMWTtVwQsruW_7n5JCsZ7wB3kuM8CfNEm29Ou3UzVg3_uNAd3ZM408Vav6mjo00LMe1x/s400/PB140075.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWFKfQNET_W9ZHLUqS8UUbxrWHVo5HeXGd7qtlAka7xQ_5f8WQkVtmLhuvgkRexpjukVjWT_Icjh9VjVwpZ6KfhQwA-nfkeiiCZow4Ga4U2pkyI5KZmUCHf9-bjqrSm6ICrRVHlA4zVb_y/s1600/PB140060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWFKfQNET_W9ZHLUqS8UUbxrWHVo5HeXGd7qtlAka7xQ_5f8WQkVtmLhuvgkRexpjukVjWT_Icjh9VjVwpZ6KfhQwA-nfkeiiCZow4Ga4U2pkyI5KZmUCHf9-bjqrSm6ICrRVHlA4zVb_y/s400/PB140060.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesxXVMm86cM-lobJcObewhYeeWG34i7YRKIXeYPoJLdG0Fzflm46nr_8seCC4dkiPtVdD3FpQ0h3nq_pLEPIDiqU3JiXN1K7zFqchawsilTbmvuKHloUwADs8X2CtqbnX9t8hYRoxgsru/s1600/PB140073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesxXVMm86cM-lobJcObewhYeeWG34i7YRKIXeYPoJLdG0Fzflm46nr_8seCC4dkiPtVdD3FpQ0h3nq_pLEPIDiqU3JiXN1K7zFqchawsilTbmvuKHloUwADs8X2CtqbnX9t8hYRoxgsru/s400/PB140073.JPG" /></a>

Pintucks Vintage Fashion Trunk Show: Fashions for the Holidays

We recently held a trunk show at a 1914 Craftsman home in the hills of Southern California.  Our space was in a large master bedroom with a ...

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