Good source for 1950s style?

[Jovan]

I'm going to be in a short movie taking place in the 1950s, and need a good encyclopaedic type resource with pictures, history, etc. of both casual and workplace menswear. (And a free one, if possible.) Not much over Google has helped me. I may end up searching the local library, but they don't always have the best selection.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Matt]

resource for what?

 

[Kent Wang]

The Hudsucker Proxy.

 

[Jovan]

Originally Posted by m@T

resource for what?
Helps to look at the thread title.

 

[odoreater]

You can check out some movies from the 1950s that feature authentic 50s style. For example, a lot of Cary Grant movies take place in the 50s and CG wore his own suits.

 

[Jovan]

Oh, I'm renting a few notable movies from this decade. However, an encyclopaedic type reference would help a little more too.

 

[LabelKing]

You should wear a double, so-called Surreal tie, that Mr.Bown wore.

They were worn in the '50s.

 

[Jovan]

I don't actually know what kind of character I'm playing yet, script is still WIP. But I'm guessing I'll be in a suit... it'll be a Hitchcock style short. If you could get a picture of what you mean, I'd be grateful.

 

[mrchapel]

Any of the Hitchcock films from that era. Also, check out L.A. Confidential; more sartorial bliss there than the whole of Antartica.

 

[Jovan]

Duly noted. Thanks.

 

[Claudio]

http://www.amazon.com/1950-s-Fashion...e=UTF8&s=books

The above book is a good start but depends alot on what character you are playing and in what context. When you have more info then its alot easier. The above book is good for classic smart 1950's styles and not your teenager-casul look

good luck

 

[Vintage Gent]

Porblem is--the 1950s encompass a pretty broad range of sartorial development, even in men's wear. The early 50s, up until '52 or '53, are virtually indistinguishable from the '40s, with broad lapels (in many cases double breasted) and wide, vibrant, abstract pattern ties. By the time the late 50s are on the scene, the sartorial template for much of the 60s--skinny ties, flat-front trousers, narrow lapels--is already in place.

 

[edmorel]

There is a seamstress on Fedora Lounge that is like the Manton of 40's-50's style. I'm sure searching around over there will yield you a lot of info.

 

[mack11211]

If you are on a college campus, check the library, the gym or a frat for team and group photos.

I remember a long wall of team photos in the main gym at the U of Texas where you could see men's style evolve over most of the century.

 

[caelte]

Originally Posted by Vintage Gent

Porblem is--the 1950s encompass a pretty broad range of sartorial development, even in men's wear. The early 50s, up until '52 or '53, are virtually indistinguishable from the '40s, with broad lapels (in many cases double breasted) and wide, vibrant, abstract pattern ties. By the time the late 50s are on the scene, the sartorial template for much of the 60s--skinny ties, flat-front trousers, narrow lapels--is already in place.


From someone who was actually there?
First time I've seen a broad but accurate description of the '50's.
Do you know where or with who those flat front ,skinny ties etc originated?
Most of the time people refer to the movies as the source but I know from living in the '50's alot of it was street fashion.
Do you know of any print or web sources for that info? Movies are too stylized to be of any real use.Hipster photos,night club photos,things like that..