Vintage Vogue

Vogue magazine is waaaay beyond 'vintage' being that the mag was first founded in 1892.  The publication didn't really start taking off until around the great depression when it's number of subscriptions began to rise. It wasn't until the 1960's however, that Vogue began to appeal to the youth of that generation as it began focusing more on contemporary fashions and the subject matter became more loose discussing topics such as 'sexuality' which was considered taboo even during that time of the sexual revolution of the free loving 60's.

Vogue magazine has of course adapted to the times, changing with each era and especially gained world wide recognition as a reputable source of 'what's what on the fashion scene' after being taken over by the current editor in chief Anna Wintour in 1988.   Wintour brought a fresh new take on the vintage periodical by incorporating an idea of how the 'common woman' (i.e. not wealthy), could incorporate an air of haute couture into their daily wardrobe with less expensive designer 'looking' pieces.  Before she came on board, the magazine had become stagnant offering the same ol' same old to it's avid readers, month after month.

Ms. Wintour has gained such a reputation in the fashion industry as an unabashed power house that she was nicknamed 'nuclear wintour' by her peers.    Without it being said literally, the character played by Meryl Streep in the 2006 'Devil Wears Prada', about a demanding fashion magazine editor was said to have been likened after her.  It was reported after the film was released that Wintour was not fond of the way she was portrayed regardless of the movies acclaimed success at the box office.

Vogue is so internationally popular that even if Wintour stepped down from her position, it's not likely that it would be going anywhere anytime soon, given the reputable nature it has gained in over a century!  

absolute-style.blogspot , stylebyme.net

Fashion In Film Friday

Every Friday here at Retro Threadz we discuss movies that have inspired fashion and this weeks feature film is the vintage 1967 movie Bonnie & Clyde starring Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty.

The movie was based on the actual events that transpired between Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker in the 1930's.  Bonnie & Clyde were two notorious outlaw bank robbers who also committed several civilian murders during their travels with their gang during the great depression.


Shortly after the 1967 film went mainstream, a fashion trend sparked to recreate the bad ass outlaw look of Bonnie Parker. Her look in the film was tailored yet functional with a touch of glamour.  Wearing scarves and topping off your bobbed hairstyle with a beret became extremely popular because of this rebel girl sex appeal of Faye Dunaway's character. 

Bonnie had the ability to look good at all times in spite of being on the run from the law.  In addition to the scarf and beret, her signature style included the streamline pencil skirt and knit sweater which is so easy to copy.

The film will remain a classic as will the timeless style...


I'm sure the 'real' Bonnie Parker would be happy to know that she was famous for more than being an outlaw.  She was also a style icon before her time...

pics: handbag.com, petergerman.net, catwalkqueen.tv.com, freemoviestheatre.eu.com

Hats Off To Spring!

Women have always been in love with hats as a fashion accessory.  In the 1920's the cloche hat was one of the first modern styles of the 20th century.  Cloche is the french word for 'bell' as these caps were form fitting to the head in that shape. These hats were considered 'sexy & mysterious' because the hat sat right above the wearers eyes...

In the 1930's there was a trend in the U.S. for wearing hats when Spring was in bloom and they often did so with a sense of rivalry involved as to whose hat was the biggest and the best! In the midst of the great depression, a new hat at Easter or a refurbished old one was a simple luxury for most women...

There's also a rich history of African-American women and hats, in that the act of covering your head during worship has its roots grounded in scripture.  It has since become a firm tradition for many women who want to show respect for God while adding pizzaz to their presence!

The 1950's saw a decrease in the popularity for hat wearing in general by women, and were no longer a 'must have' for every outfit but have since regained popularity in the 21st century since this is one of the most flexible times in fashion history and everyone is pretty much following their own impulses, especially when it comes to what they're topping off with.


Remember the floppy colorful shade hats in the 70's? We're starting to see them again... 

When talking about 'hats' you cannot forget to mention the huge hats women have been parading around in at the Kentucky Derby for ages. Styles of course have changed so much throughout the years that now the Derby event is more like a red carpet who's wearing who and what!

Just like everything...'what goes around comes back around' and hats of pretty much every style are being seen worn again these days.  Here at Retro Threadz, we pride ourselves in selecting only the most quality of vintage hats for you to choose from so make sure you stop by the shop regularly as we are always stocked with a variety of beautiful vintage styles ranging from the 1940's to the 1980's.

 ask.com , bonnebons.multiply.com , books-online-store.com , celebrity741.blogspot.com , trolleyla.com, newyorkgirlstyle.com, retrothreadz.etsy.com