Moda Cotidiana de los Cincuenta Según se Muestra en los Catálogos de Sears (Dover Moda y Disfraces)

What makes this 1950s fashion book unique?

This volume compiles a selection of pages from 1950s Sears catalogs, offering an authentic look at the everyday attire of the era. Unlike other books that focus on haute couture, this one shows what people actually wore in their daily lives: from work clothes to party dresses, including children's garments and accessories. The crisp, well-preserved images allow one to appreciate the details of each garment, the fabrics, and the colors of the time.

Edited by JoAnne Olian, a renowned specialist in costume history, the book is part of the Dover Fashion and Costumes series, known for its faithful reproductions of original sources. Each page is a time capsule that reflects the aesthetics, trends, and prices of the 1950s.

A visual journey through everyday fashion

The pages of this book offer a visual journey through an iconic decade. Readers can observe the evolution of silhouettes, from fitted-waist dresses to full skirts, as well as the jacket and skirt ensembles that defined casual elegance. The men's clothing section features classic suits, open-collared shirts, and sports jackets. Children's fashion, with its bow dresses and shorts, evokes the innocence of the era.

Each illustration is accompanied by original catalog descriptions, including details on fabrics, sizes, and prices. This information is invaluable for designers seeking historical inspiration, for historians studying textile consumption, and for anyone interested in the material culture of the 1950s. The black-and-white and color images offer a comprehensive view of the color palette and patterns of the time.

Who is this book for?

This title is an essential reference tool for fashion design professionals, theatrical and cinematic costume designers. Designers will find a visual archive of real garments, with proportions and details that can be adapted to contemporary or period collections. Fashion historians will appreciate the fidelity of the sources and the possibility of analyzing consumption trends of the American middle class.

Vintage and nostalgia lovers will enjoy flipping through the pages and remembering or discovering how their grandparents or parents dressed. It is also a useful resource for collectors of antique clothing, as it helps identify original garments and understand their context. Reviews highlight that the images and descriptions are 'very useful and entertaining,' and that the book is 'ideal for lovers of vintage clothing and history.'

Featured Content

The book includes over 100 illustrations extracted from Sears spring/summer and fall/winter catalogs from various years of the 1950s. The pages are organized by categories: women's, men's, children's, and baby clothing, as well as sections on footwear, accessories, and home goods. Each image is presented with its original description, allowing one to learn about the commercial language of the time and the prices in dollars back then.

The book's format is large (approximately 22.9 x 30.1 cm), which allows for appreciating the details of the illustrations. The cover is soft yet durable, ideal for frequent consultation. Although it is a paper reproduction, the print quality is good and the images appear sharp. Users who prefer the digital format should be aware that small texts may be difficult to read on screen, according to some opinions.

How to use this book

This book can be used in multiple ways. Designers can browse it for inspiration for silhouettes, collars, sleeves, or stitching details. Historians can analyze consumption trends and fashion changes throughout the decade. For vintage enthusiasts, it is entertaining to go through the pages and compare them with current fashion.

It is recommended to keep it handy as a visual reference during the creative process. It can also make an excellent gift for retro fashion lovers or design students. As a reference book, it is not necessary to read it from beginning to end; simply open it to any page to immerse yourself in the aesthetics of the 1950s.

Frequently asked questions

Does the book include photographs or drawings? The images are illustrations extracted from the original catalogs, combining line drawings and color, as well as some photographs from the era.

Does it cover the entire 1950s decade? Yes, it includes pages from various years, offering a broad overview of fashion from the early to late 1950s.

Is it suitable for design professionals? Undoubtedly, it is a primary source of historical inspiration, useful for fashion designers, costume designers, and artists.

Is the text in English? Yes, the original descriptions are in English. However, the value of the book lies mainly in the images, which transcend language.

This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult a healthcare professional before use.