Classic Fashions Gone MAD!

Satin Stitches | Sep 29, 2009 | 1

MAD About CLASSICS?

I was watching a show giving tips to brides, for planning their wedding. The term CLASSIC came up, when discussing wedding gown designs, hairstyles and the design of the wedding cake.

What is the meaning of CLASSIC?

Timeless, ageless, traditional, archetypal, standard, superior, masterpiece, excellent, consummate were various words that popped up when I checked my Thesaurus.

During the wedding tips, it was mentioned that a bride should choose a CLASSIC hairstyle and dress, noting that lots of 80s brides are now, NOT thrilled with their obviously 80s dresses and hairstyles. Giant puffy sleeves and bangs were mentioned! They may be wishing that they had chosen more CLASSIC styles, to now show their children and grandchildren!

One of the more popular television programs that showcases CLASSIC 1960s style, is MAD MEN on AMC. It has won awards for its acting and directing, and is a visual treat as well.

Being a costume designer, programs such as MAD MEN, always catch my eye. I have mentioned many times, in my Blogs, that inspiration for new dance costume designs can come from many influences, including all types of television shows.

The hairstyles, furniture, fashions-both suits and dresses, and even the foods and cocktails that are being shown on MAD MEN, are CLASSIC late fifties and early sixties designs. This era is often referred to as Mid-Century Modern, in interior design and artifacts. My husband and I decorated our townhome in this sleek style, a few years ago. We love it! Not only does it evoke memories from our childhood, but fits the smaller scale of our lives without our children around the house.

In reading an interview with the clothing designer from MAD MEN, Janie Bryant emphasizes that she starts with a foundation, or rather the correct foundation garments to carry off the correct look. The bras that I remember my Mother wearing-sorry Mom!-were designed to create cone shapes. The girdles with garters and hose which I recall wearing in the mid-sixties were very restrictive. I have tossed my pantyhose that became popular in the late sixties, like everyone else, to be free, free like the wind! We got rid of these CLASSIC garments, to create the NEW CLASSIC look of our era.

After the basic foundations and style principles, Janie has succeeded in creating a very stylized look for MAD MEN, which is very correct, for that era.

When my husband and I watch period movies, we always try to guess the year portrayed, if it is not immediately known. If it IS known, then we critique the fashions, makeup and hairstyles, along with the cars and trains, to evaluate how true the movie is, to the period they are portraying.

But is CLASSIC always the best choice? I do not think so. If we all choose CLASSIC fashions, or CLASSIC hairstyles, or CLASSIC dance moves, I think the world would be rather boring, what do you think?

If everyone went with CLASSIC, no one would be innovating anything. To me, I think that CLASSIC is an option, more associated with timeless and traditional. It is something that is tried and true, that you cannot go wrong with. BUT variety is the spice of life. So combine your use of CLASSICS with new, edgy and unique.

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Broadway, Ballroom, Teacher, Enthusiast, Parent, Studio, Costume Design, Costumes (all tags)