Tag: fifties

Categories / Design and Interiors

Dwell introduces the Harry Bertoia-like Wire Chair

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Dwell_bertoia

Back in 2007, we featured the Bertoia Diamond armchair, a design classic from 1952 that's still in production via Knoll, retailing for the best part of £1,000. Alternatively, you can go to Dwell and buy the Wire Chair.

Let's be kind and say that the Wire Chair is inspired by the midcentury classic. I'm sure there's a few subtle differences to the designs, but you'll have to look very close to find them.

The Dwell version mixes black lacquered wire with white faux leather for the seating and involves a touch of self-assembly. But it does come at a hugely-reduced price, £149 to be precise. It's available to order now, with stock arriving in February.

Find out more at the Dwell website

Categories / Retro Women's Fashion

Comedy Hour Dress from ModCloth

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Comedyhour

Much of the fifties and early sixties fashion fodder of 2010 was dedicated to that ultra-vampy Mad Men aesthetic, with curve-hugging silhouettes and plunging necklines. If you're after something from the era that's a little off the beaten track, try this Comedy Hour Dress from ModCloth.

The use of the shirt collar design is reminiscent of a classic fifties American style, leaning on the use of menswear styles that emerged in the decade. With a full skirt falling to the mid-calf, the short sleeves and sweet polka dot fabric combine to create a dress that's demure and chic – without veering into the dreaded Stepford Wife element.

It's available online from ModCloth now for $99.99.

Find out more from the website

Categories / Retro Women's Fashion

Stina Spot Neck Jumper from Monsoon

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Stinajumper

Finding the more everyday options for a fully dedicated retro wardrobe can often be the most difficult, with the myriad options for eveningwear now available. If you're after the ideal accompaniment for your capri pants or pencil skirt for the daytime, this Stina Jumper from Monsoon could be a contender.

The simple and chic slim knit of the jumper is only enhanced by a scoop neck to add some of the fifties' signature sex appeal. The addition of a polka dot ribbon detail and bow at the neckline creates an instantly vintage inspired look, without being too over the top for every day wear.

Get it now from Monsoon for £45.

Find out more from the website

Categories / Retro Women's Fashion

1950s-inspired Fred Perry Laurel Wreath Collection by Richard Nicoll

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Fp1

Ken Russell's iconic images of 1950s Teddy Girls provide the inspiration for the new Fred Perry Laurel Wreath Collection by Richard Nicoll.

It's the first collection by Nicoll for Fred Perry, which promises 'Edwardian dandiness' and vintage reference points like pointelle cardigans and mother of pearl brooches, as well as period colours to create something modern, but with a distinctly 1950s twist.

You can find out for yourself if it works from Monday 10th January, which is when the collection goes on sale online and instore. Or you can check the images above and over the page. Prices, as you can imagine, vary.

Fred Perry website

All images (c) Paul Wetherell

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Categories / eBay watch

eBay watch: Ercol midcentury nest of tables

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Ercol

We featured the colourful anniversary version of these last year, which came in at a hefty £525. As yet, the price of this particular Ercol nest of tables is nowhere near that.

Mind you, this is a used set, lacking the bold shades of the anniversary set. In fact, all the elm tables have a plain finish, as well as a bit of wear and tear-  the seller describing the set as being in 'very good used condition with some light superficial marks to the tops'.

You can make your own mind up about that from the images on the selling page. if you like what you see, the price right now is £5 for the set.

Find out more at the eBay website

Categories / Homeware

Little Greene teams up with Whitworth Art Gallery for 50s Line Papers 1950s wallpaper range

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Whitworth1

Not just a 50s-inspired wallpaper range, Little Greene has gone back to source ongoing, teaming up with Manchester's Whitworth Art Gallery to reissue some of the best 1950s wallpapers under the name 50s Line Papers.

The Whitworth Art Gallery houses one of the largest wallpaper archives in the UK, with some real gems from the 1950s. In particular, some of the best were originally produced by celebrated wallpaper manufacturer, John Line & Sons of Southall, London, which are the ones being reissued now.

All the papers are careful interpretations of the original archive documents, both in scale and detail, one of which is pictured above, a couple more captured over the page. Little Greene's 50s Line Papers collection will be launched this month 2011 at Maison & Objet, Paris and then, from the beginning of February, the wallpapers will be available nationally and internationally through Little Greene's network of distributors or direct from the company. No news on pricing as yet – if you're interested, drop them a line.

Little Greene website

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