Christine's 1960s Fashion Page

>Late 1960s

The Golden Dressmaker, Supplement No. 1, ca. 1960
(This little booklet came with its original receipt, dated 29 June 1960. It contains patterns for nearly all the garments the well-dressed woman of 1960 would want in her wardrobe - from pedal-pushers to evening dress.)

*NEW* Vogue Pattern Book, 1960

The early Sixties era of fashion was new couture at its best. The most influential image was the 'Jackie Kennedy' rich, manicured style of elegance. Some of the glamour of the Fifties was retained, though not the satins and silks. To achieve the new manicured smartness we were using grey flannel for evening, making it more feminine with white pique deep-rolling collars holding a single rose. For daywear, textile manufacturers had come up with new plastic-coated clothes, wonderful fine silk crepes and double-faced wools, all of which gave a crisp, carved look... The fashion emphasis was on a clean-cut and swinging look.

Beril JentsLittle Ol' Beryl from Bondi.

*NEW* Stitchcraft, 1960

"From Nana, With Love From Delma, 12/12/60"
(This photograph, found on a market stall, shows a young lady dressed in what looks to be her "best". With her with white collar and gloves, neat grooming and formal stance, she presents a demure image at the beginning of what was to be a revolutionary decade.)

Australian Home Journal Summer Fashions 1960-61, 1960

The Australian Home Journal, 1961

"Anything was better than having to wear glasses - especially as Diana and I favoured heavy eye-makeup to accentuate our whitened faces and frosted lipstick. We wore short shift dresses in pale colours, black stockings and black patent-leather stiletto shoes in a look we imagined was part Mary Quant, part Juliette Gréco, with a bit of Holly Golightly thrown in."

Anne Summers, Ducks on the Pond.

Stitchcraft, 1961