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1950s, Anya Sushko London, anya sushko vintage bags, anyasuhsko, bags, chic and shape collection, designer bags, elizabeth taylor, elvis presley, grande sunburst, handbag inspiration, handmade in london, marylin monroe, modern extravaganza bag, style icons, vintage era, vintage inspiration, vintage style, vintage style handbags
It seems like fashion is all about the future but actually, so much of it is about the past. While trends might be set a season in advance, the very least, and fashionistas fervently compete to be a step ahead, the truth is that so much of what we look forward to is defined by what used to be. As firm believers in style which is here to stay, reinvented classics rather than fast-paced, short-lived fashion fads, we at Anya Sushko London often find inspiration in the eras behind us and we are not the only ones. Vintage style has never been as popular and widely available. Partly fuelled by the recent economic turmoil and the necessity to find comfort in better times, but not only – it is also the realization that great style is perpetual.
In our Style Icons series of posts to follow, we pay tribute to the women (& men) throughout the second half of the past century who have left an undisputed mark on style and fashion and inspire our sartorial choices up to today. This week, we take a look at the 1950s.
What do you associate the 1950s with? The era of economic and political progress, following the end of WWII, brought about prosperity, economic and technological progress and celebration of traditional roles. Think of Mad Men – beyond the cliché, it provides us with a basic understanding of shift in male and female role and the rise of lavish lifestyle. In style terms, the romantic and feminine silhouette dominated the era – the full-bodied, clinched at the waits skirts of Dior, one of the most prominent designers of the ear, the ultra glamour of Givenchy, who defined Audrey Hepburn’s style – up to date considered one of the most wanted and classic styles that women lust after. Traditional female beauty was elevated on a pedestal, sexuality celebrated – Marilyn Monroe is still alive on our minds as the ultimate glamorous seductress. Elizabeth Taylor, another 50s icon, was rarely seen without a waterfall of diamonds and her sultry shoulders and cleavage were often exposed. Gloves were still very much part of evening wear for ladies. Champagne was drunk and fur was worn.

Marylin Monroe
Interestingly, it was the men who more often challenged the sartorial norms in the 1950s. James Dean’s understatement motorcycle style is very much an antidote to the lavish female style and is until nowadays, one of the most copied styles by young men worldwide. And then came Elvis Presley – a man who took style by the horns and shook it, creating an own style on its own – extravagant, lavish, colourful and vibrant.

Elvis Presley
Are you a fan of the 50s style? Can you find references of it in your wardrobe? If you have a penchant for glamorous, feminine dressing, don’t miss out on our Chic’N’Shape collection which features. The Luxury Grande Sunburst (available in Brown, Purple, Black, Diamond Python and Grey) will add instant high voltage glamour to any outfit. If you are looking for a handbag for daily wear which celebrates lady-like chic, the Luxury Modern Extravaganza is the answer. Available in ten different colour combinations – Dark Grey, Burgundy & Brown, Rose & Terracota Red, Peach, Cream & Baby Pink, Powder Pink & Taupe, Ivory & Cream, Purple, Peach & Royal Blue, Black Patent and Passion Pink.
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