The positive teenage effect in the 1950’s

(Extract from my essay entitled: 'Teenage Fashion in the UK and the USA in the 1950's and the 1960's'. This may need abit of work!)

The word ‘Teenager’ had an entirely different connotation in the 50’s than it does today. What was seen as a youthful rebellion in the 50’s seems innocent compared to today, but it was in fact in the 1950’s the term ‘Teenager’ was coined, marking the growth of youth as a market force boosting ecomomy. (Seeling, 2000) War had left its negative and also perhaps positive impact on both the UK’s and the USA’s populations, as ‘returning servicemen brought back stories of exotic destinations’. (Shih, 1997) In turn the fashion industry responded to these new ideas as a generation gap emerged from children not wanting to look and dress as their parents did; they had their own money to spend and became the dominant style leaders, carrying on into the 60’s.(Seeling, 2000) This positive outlook produced extremes within the fashion industry; from the rebellious and dangerous look of the ‘Biker’ style to the elegant, sophistication of the ‘Teddy’ or ‘Neo-Edwardian’, and to the wholesome look of the ‘Campus’ style.

Teenage fashion in the 50's and 60's.

I'm currently working on a report based on teenage fashion in the 50's and 60's. This means that the focus is not on the couture gowns or the sophistication of Dior and Chanel, but on the average teenger that was influenced by the same societal factors as today. Film stars being one of these factors.

Image from: http://sticksandstoneslive.blogspot.com/2008_09_01_archive.html

James Dean: Not since his cry of "You're tearing me apart" in 'Rebel Without A Cause' has anyone portrayed so much teenage anguish. And his clothes we're pretty good too. Between him and Marlon Brando, they had the entire population of the 1950's teenager in thrall with their white t-shirts, denim jeans and leather jackets.