The Atomic Age Or the Atomic Era...

I'm crazy about the Atomic Era! 

What is that you ask? Here is a little history about it... 

The Atomic Age, also known as the Atomic Era (Space age) is a period of history following WWII after the detonation of the first nuclear bomb on July 16, 1945. Nuclear optimism gained popularity in the 1950s.These designs were influenced by science, space exploration and new and improved technologies. It influenced everything from cars to clothing to house designs. Remember the Tex Avery cartoon 'Car of Tomorrow' from 1951 or his cartoon 'House of Tomorrow' from 1949? I have become ...obsessed! =)


A few swatches of atomic prints...These were the most popular for draperies in the 50's, usually made out of barkcloth and one of my favorite mediums, fiberglass! The atomic clothing usually had a softer print in cotton.  Now you can buy new atomic fabric and make whatever you can dream of.
I will have to share photos of one of my favorite vintage pieces...It's a vintage home-made dress that was made out of atomic drapes. *giggle* 

Working on a logo...*sigh*

 I have been working on a logo I like for the past 8 years! Yes...8 years! I FINALLY came up with one a few weeks a go that I could live with, thought it had enough style and maturity (I have a fear of the use of too much color) without being overly "cute" or cliche' ...low-and-behold, it was almost identical to another vintage sellers...*grumble*.  I thought, and thought... and thought some more and realized that my logo should reflect my love of vintage, the Space Age (Atomic) era after WWII and the love of Googie architecture. What is Googie you ask? 
Wikipedia describes googie as: "Googie architecture is a form of modern architecture, a subdivision of futurist architecture that was influenced  by the car culture and the (not to be confused with the machine age of 1880 to 1945) "Space" and "Atomic ages" It started in Southern California in the late 40's an continued through the mid-60's. Many buildings became known as Mid-Century modern style. The name "Googie" came from a coffee shop in West Hollywood. 

Here are some wonderful examples of Googie architecture:

Mel's Diner Universal Studios

Vegas!

Computer Art

Classic Googie was popular with hotels, coffee shops & bowling alleys

Space Age

Caribbean Hotel Ocean Ave. 1958

Beverly Hills gas station

Car Wash San Bernadino

This is a dying art form. Mid century buildings are being torn-down to make room for new box-buildings. It is heart breaking to see such a whimsical & unique style from our past becoming history...Enjoy the "Googie" in your area while you can

Ossie Clark

Sorting some boxes I came upon one of my hidden treasures, a 40's influenced brown Ossie Clark gown with satin shoulders and a deco style neckline. She does have a touch of fade but needs to be displayed...at least photographed! 

(9 June 1942–6 August 1996) Raymond "Ossie" Clark  An English fashion designer who was a big influence in the Swinging Sixties scene in London and fashion of the time. Clark is known for his vintage designs still by current designers.

Clark is compared to the 1960s fashion greats Mary Quant (I'll add one of her suits later) and Biba and had a major influenced on many other designers, including Yves Saint Laurent and Manolo Blahnik. Mr. Blahnik has been quoted saying,  "He (Ossie Clark) created an incredible magic with the body and achieved what fashion should do — produce desire." Ossie Clark and Ossie Clark for Radley clothes are highly sought after, and are worn by well known models like Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell.

Ossie Clark for Radley

The vintage Hawaiian Dress

The vintage Hawaiian dress of the 40's and 50's  is one of my most favorite things to collect. While some people love the frilly party dresses and rose prints, I gravitate to vintage tropical foliage or fish. Thought I would share a little history and photos on these wonderful pieces of art.

  The early islanders wore Tapa cloth that was a barkcloth made from the Paper Mullberry tree. It was dyed with  juice from the Kukui nut tree, bits of red or yellow Ochre or charcoal.  Mokihhana berry or sandalwood was used to give it a nice scent. It was stamped to create the designs.

Pareu (sarong-wrap)

  Around 1810, an English-made lightweight printed cotton called a Pareu (like a sarong)started being imported into Tahiti ending the use of the traditional Tapa. To be continued... =)

The amazing Howard Greer!

 What an inspiration to any designer! 

 Howard Greer was the head of Paramount Studios Design Department until 1927 when he opened his own company. According to New York Fashion, Greer produced custom made clothes for Hollywood's best, actresses such as Katharine Hepburn, Gypsy Rose Lee, and Rita Hayworth.  Dita Von Teese recently wore one of his gowns, I was shocked to see people follow-up on the image, calling the dress she was wearing a weird nightgown! 

  He is known for the invention of  the "tabletop neckline", that focuses on a woman's graceful neck. His standard gowns cost up to $650 in the 50's. If you have some time, enjoy a photo search of Howard Greer. I wish we had more designers that are inspired by the beauty of fashion of the past...I could upload fabulous dresses of his... all...day...long

Howard Greer Print Ad

Irene Dunne

Rita Hayworth

Katharine Hepburn - Moth Costume1933

Celebrating Halloween

 I enjoy searching the internet for vintage images & ads. Today I wanted to add a few Halloween pin-ups that are just too cute not to share. 

Clara Bow....Whatta doll!

Virginia Welles....Dishy!

Paulette Goddard.....Purrrrrfect

An amazing 2 weeks of vintage finds!

 I have had an amazing couple of weeks with some fabulous vintage finds! 

Some beautiful 50's party dresses, 40's satin gown & 40's lace gown, Edwardian silk blouse & skirt, vintage 20's dress reproduction, feathered collar, 70's Perfecto leather motorcycle jacket, 3 -70's dresses and some St John knits! 

I feel like a kid in a candy store! Now it's time to get to work

  So excited that the Glam 70's and 80's fashion has become chic again! But then I'm always excited when the future styles always reflect their vintage originals. The 70's are one of my favorite eras for vintage, so wild and dramatic, just like the Rock Stars of the times. 
  Gotta be crazy about fun halter dresses,big sunglasses,satin pants and platform shoes! A new article in Vogue was talking about Halston bringing back the accordion pleat! Now how exciting is that!?!  I would love to have a piece from his new line, but then, who wouldn't?  I've been inspired by Charlie's Angels,Saturday Night Fever, Love Boat and Three's Company, Outta-sight!


 I'm heading for the closets to pull out as many vintage 70's maxi dresses,wild prints and jumpsuits I can find. Need to get some hot colored 80's Glam in there too. Makes me feel like a little girl again *giggle* and everyone should have an "Almost Famous" coat.

WOW! A YEAR since my last post? Boy! I need to get "with it"...lol

I'm seriously excited about Spring this year, I can't wait to bring out the florals and the bright colors...with the economy & bad weather conditions across the midwest & west coast being so hard on everyone, I think people need the sun to shine!

Happy 2010! New items are now arriving in my Ebay store and on my website!