Vintage Hairstyles for Evening - 1965

In 1965, women would spend hours at the hairdresser before a big event.  Hairstyles were BIG, the bigger the better.  It took a lot of hairspray to make a look like this stay in place all night.  And it took a lot of shampoo to get all that hairspray out the next day.  Even so, it's a lot of fun to wear a hairstyle like this.  I hope these images from 1965 inspire you to do something special with your hair for your holiday parties!

 

Yes, that's Catherine Deneuve

Don't have enough hair for a big hairstyle?  You could always use feathers.......

Chinchilla Fur Coat - 1965

Betty Yakova owned her own Paris couture salon before going to work for Neustadter Furs in New York.  In 1963, Yakova was given a special Coty Award for her work with fur.  Her work rivaled that of Bergdorf's Emeric Partos and she came up with some very innovative ways of using fur.  In 1967, Yakova designed mink tweed by sewing together tiny squares of charcoal and white mink.  In the same year, she made a coat with horizontal bands of silver fox and black mink.  She also dyed furs in fun colors like green, navy blue and purple.

Here, from 1965, is a 3/4 length Aurora chinchilla fur coat that Yakova designed for Neustadter's.  In another of her innovations, she used a wide belt of gray taffeta at the waist.  The coat was given added fullness below the waist with deep pleats.

Weekend Eye Candy - Geoffrey Beene Coat, 1965

Are you thinking about a coat for this winter yet?  If so, today's Eye Candy is sure to make you swoon.  This Mod era coat by Geoffrey Beene dates to about 1965.  The wool gabardine fabric is printed in a design that references the work of French artist Jean Dubuffet.  Simple black buttons down the front don't distract from the design.  This coat is part of the Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection.

Bright Pops of Color: 1965

Lately on the website, I can't keep wild printed dresses from the 1960s in stock.  There are more to come, I promise, but for today, here are some photos from 1965 for you to enjoy.  Do you think these prints are flying out the door because of a current fashion trend or are they perennially popular for you?

David Crystal

Mme. Gres

Pauline Trigere

Frank Usher

Lanvin

Weekend Eye Candy - Hanae Mori, 1965

Oh, how I wish this photo were in color. Hanae Mori's signature butterflies decorate this gown from 1965 with elaborate ruffles down the back and around the hem. Le sigh.......

Paris Cocktail Dresses, 1965

The hair! The jewelry! The make-up! But most importantly, the dresses! Today, cocktail dresses out of Paris, spring 1965.

Castillo black sheer cigaline over strapless satin lining.

Pierre Cardin pleated black crepe one shoulder dress with rhinestone bow.

Castillo black lace fitted dress with a ruffled lace overdress.

Simonetta black organza trapeze dress decorated with pleated ruffles
flares over a fitted underdress.

Dior white beaded flowers on silk organza with a matching mink trimmed jacket.

Party Hair, 1965

Tomorrow is New Year's Eve. If ever there was a night for big party hair, this is it. Here, some inspiration from 1965. Go for it!

The Look for Parties - 1965

What's the news in party looks for 1965? Beads, beads, and more beads. Metallics and pink. Big, big hair. Heavy eye make-up and pale lips. Bold jewelry.

Sophie of Saks white lace cocktail dress with beaded lace jacket. Necklaces by Star of Siam.

Mollie Parnis cocktail dress in beaded net that floats over a nude crepe lining. Huge pearl ring by Schreiner.

Bill Blass for Maurice Rentner pink mohair suit completely covered in pink sequins. Suit came with the pink silk blouse. Necklace by K.J.L.

At left: Sarmi red silk satin gown with a bow on one shoulder. Earrings by Mimi di N, rings by Schreiner.
At right: Sarmi golden jacquard silk one shoulder dress. Bracelet by Hattie Carnegie, earrings by Apex Art.

Larry Aldrich red and gold brocade cocktail dress edged in beaded embroidery. Sold for $225 in 1965 (about $1560 in today's dollar.) White mink bubble hat by Halston.

Evening Dresses - 1965

What a difference 10 years makes! Today, we continue our look at evening wear through the decades with the 1960s. Gone are the full skirted styles and tiny waists of 1955. In 1965, shapes are more relaxed and elaborate fabrics and trimmings abound. Sequins, beads and bangles. Brocades, embroideries, and heavy laces. Asian influences, pants, and the beginnings of op-art all show up. Oh, and don't forget the big, big hair! Enjoy these evening looks from 1965.

Right: Maurice Roger black gown covered in beads from head to toe.
Left: Jean Patou black silk chiffon with heavy Venice lace bodice.

Ted Lapidus elaborate brocade evening suit.

Pierre Cardin sequined gown with pop art dots.

Bill Blass for Maurice Rentner brocade backless top over pink evening pants.

Capucci op-art satin dress and jacket trimmed in ostrich feathers.

Is the 1960s your decade of choice?

Weekend Eye Candy - Otto Lucas, 1965

Otto Lucas was a well known milliner, both in the US and in London where he had his own Mayfair shop. Here, his Mod helmet and overblouse, both fashioned of sheared rabbit and stenciled with zebra stripes.