Vintage 1950's Brides We Love

Vintage Brides We Love
Pg. 3

Vintage 1950's

Gulden and Brown Use Only: DO NOT COPY

Modern Bride, the complete guide for the Bride-to -be. Fall 1953
Collection of Gulden & Brown

Frederick & Nelson of Seattle, a division of Marshall Field & Company, showed this full page ad of a William Cahill designed Ballerina dress, circa 1953. Priced at $69.95, this dress of silk organza had a full crinoline of nylon marquisette and featured a tight bodice with nipped waist, short sleeves and a cowl neckline that was edged with pearl beaded trim.

This calf length style, also known as ''intermission, cocktail or matinee length," has only been recently called "swing" length erroneously by contemporary enthusiasts. It is without a doubt, the one silhouette that remains a 1950's child. There has been no other decade since the 50's that can attribute this wedding style as its own.

Marian Rapacz stands amidst a throng of admirers on the Church steps before entering for her 1952 wedding to Donald Fagnant.

Her simple but dramatic statement of a single cattleya orchid bouquet was extremely elegant and balanced her double tiered fingertip and elbow length veil.

Her choice of a knife pleated net dress with chantilly lace peplum made her appear to float like an angel and complemented her petite figure.

Modern Bride Early Autumn 1959

Reminiscent of the Moyen Âge, a bridal sheath of velveteen appliquéd in velvet, with bodice and flaring train of "silk cloud" satin. In Cantoni velveteen, about $215, circa 1959. The bridesmaids' apricot sheaths, in the same fabric have bottom poofs of taffeta. Under $40, circa 1959.

Bouquets by Judith Garden. Photograph by Pellegrini.

The gown was sold at all Saks Fifth Avenue stores and Halle Bros., Cleveland.

Gulden and Brown Use Only: DO NOT COPY

Imported Chantilly was advertised as delicate and fragile in the 1950's. Is it any wonder that 50 years later these gowns still survive? Mother of the Bride dresses in pale rose or steeldust blue-your choice, DuBarry, circa 1953. Hats by John Fredericks

Gulden and Brown Use Only: DO NOT COPY

"Skinners parchment satin with elongated waistline, gathered skirt and full train. Iridescent sequin embroidery in a flower pattern trims the neck and wrists, By Marie of Pandora. about $125 at Emily Fifth Ave.

Headpiece by Edward Berger. Irene Hayes bouquet. John Matouk tablecloth. Wedding cake by Schrafft's, New York.

The groom's attire is by Brook's Bros. Photograph by Bill Helburn."

The Bride's Magazine, Autumn 1955
Collection of Gulden & Brown

Model Ann St. Marie wears a sheath gown of taffeta, embossed with Alencon lace. The gown was designed by William Cahill, and retailed for $198 in 1956 at the venerable bridal salons of Lord & Taylor, Carson, Pirie & Scott and Rothschild-Young Quinlan.

Her wedding Chapeau, considered the newest look in 1956 bridal headdresses, was a made from Alencon with a large taffeta bow and cascading side veil across the brim. Photograph by Jerrold Schatzberg.

Modern Bride, Winter Season 1956 -57

I. Magnin Tissue Silk Organza Gown by William Cahill

She was a vision of sheer delight...cream organza appliquéd with white beauvais-type garlands...

Spring, 1952 issue of Modern Bride

Collection of Gulden & Brown

Mademoiselle Magazine February 1951 Issue.
Collection of Gulden & Brown

Ivory satin and lace and pearls. Bride's dress by Mindelle in Burlington rayon satin woven of Celanese yarn. $110, circa 1951

The veil, A&M Rosenthal.

Elgin-American Pearls.

Gloves by Wear-right.