Of the 1950′s and recent developments (vague title ftw)

Now. Here are some amazing 1950′s images that I simply cannot get enough of. Have a look and share them around if you want.

 

Audrey Hepburn - 1952

 

 

Frank Sinatra and wife Ava Gardner slurping in unison, 1951

 

 

Robert Doisneau, Kiss by the Hotel de Ville,1950 © Estate of Robert Doisneau

 

 

Maila Nurmi The Beat Generation 1959

 

 

Jo Ann Kemmerling reading a book while taking bath; Nina Leen, 1954.

 

I love the 1950′s so much. I wish I lived during that priceless era; it was sophisticated, constantly evolving and beautiful. I’ll share more images in a day or two since I’m short on words these days. When I bounce back to being rad, I’ll post amusing reads related to books I’m reading, a female journalist student’s life in Pakistan, movie reviews and a bit of political rants here and there. Till then, share your favorite photos of the 1950′s. I’d love to see ‘em.

P.S. I just joined Formspring.me and here’s my link: http://www.formspring.me/mehreenkasana Note: I’ve mentioned the only rule for asking questions over there. You’ve been given safe anonymity (optional) to inquire whatever you please as long as it’s not shitty or based on senseless hatred for yours not-so-truly.  Have fun, y’all.

The Creepy, Waist-Crunching 1950′s

Despite my love for the 1950′s, some images just send a chill down my feminist spine (and make me cringe). Here’s a photograph showing the infamous cinch belt women were expected to use back then.

Cinch belt in 1957

Cinch belts were notorious for distorting the otherwise natural and normal anatomy of the women of 1950′s. By painfully squeezing the waist tighter, the belts would make an average female waist appear smaller and more ‘feminine’. Later on, after Second Wave Feminism, cinch belts were discarded by rebels. Excellent move, I’ll say. Here are two other images:

© 1954's Advertisement for David's Fashion for Women

© 1954 Advertisement for Lana Lobell Women's Fashion

Painfully gorgeous? Notice how her waist is smaller than her head. That’s proof related to how demanding (read unyielding and suffocating) a man’s expectation for female beauty was. It hasn’t changed for the better since then though. Here is my favorite image by Norman Parkinson in 1950 called ‘Impertinence’. I simply can’t get enough of androgynous photography. It’s cheeky and raw, one of the best sub-genres in photography. Check out how comfy male attire appears here.

© Impertinence — Norman Parkinson, 1950

You gotta love Second Wave Feminism, people. If it weren’t for those courageous ladies, we girls would still have to tighten ropes around our waists day in and day out. And I’m sure I’d bruise my flesh in the process.

P.S. I know I’ve been slow with updating the blog. Will refresh it more often from now on. Cheers!