T H E S T O R Y B E H I N D O U R
1950S REBRAND
P i p p a B o u r k e E d i t o r
The 1950s was an age for change . The post-war baby boom had begun and the younger generation ‘ rebelled ’. Young men with slicked-back hair wore stovepipe pants and winkle picker shoes . They hung out in milk bars and smoked endless cigarettes , it was ‘ outrageous ’. The older generation were horrified .
In reality , the youth of the 1950s had nothing to rebel against . It is still seen as an idyllic era to this day . Everyone conformed and lived simply , but happily .
But underneath the surface , people were stirring and new ideas were simmering . We saw women embrace new fabrics , colours and styles that came out after the war . The female form was celebrated with fitting , classic top pieces and full , swinging skirts . Teamed with elaborate hairstyles and a sense of glamour that definitely doesn ’ t exist in your average woman today .
The rise of Rockabilly music was the first catalyst for change . It was a mixture between the popular Rock and Roll and the Hillbilly music of the ‘ 30s and ’ 40s .