Authenticity in the Vintage World?

[Widebrim]

My dad was born in 1921 and spent the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s (as well as the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s) in L.A. and says he NEVER wore a fedora! And he had only one suit for a good portion of the early 1940s, a baby blue number. I often suspect NEVER was an exaggeration but it still says something.

Yes, it may have been an exaggeration (which I firmly believe was the case with that somewhat famous quote that in 1946 NYC was a "hatless" city). Los Angeles has often been on the edges of fashion, and its men stopped wearing hats before it became common in most of the rest of the country. I have quite a few photos of my father wearing fedoras in PA and NY, but not one after he moved to California in the mid-'50s (although now he wears one almost every day!). It reminds me of what Dad also has said about the cars he saw when he moved out here, that the "Mexican boys" stripped them down, including the hood ornaments, something not as common on the East Coast.

 

[Lauren]

Thanks, Lizzie and PDX, for your comments on the video
My family was in Los Angeles since the 20s, which probably is why they had more relaxed clothing, except on special occasions and holidays. It's much like Widebrim and others state- it's just really relaxed here for clothing- even in the 30s and 40s. not for everyone, but certainly for many.

 

[Schofields]

its easy: no matter what period you love, dont try too hard. IMO if you look like youre a carbon copy out of a 30s, 40s, whatever movie: youve done something wrong.

.02

 

[benstephens]

It is interesting to see by the late 1930s the use of Hats was deffinately declining especially amoung younger men.

I know there are a lot of Getty images of young men in the late 1930s, few seem to be wearing hats. I know they brought out hats endorsed by band leaders to try and encourage people to buy hats, I have the Tiger rag, endorsed by Harry Roy!

When I dress vintage, I very rarely wear a hat, mainly as I find them a nuisance a lot of the time. My grandfather certainly never wore a hat until the 1960s when his hair went a little thinner.

Kindest Regards

Ben

 

[Fletch]

I know there are a lot of Getty images of young men in the late 1930s, few seem to be wearing hats. I know they brought out hats endorsed by band leaders to try and encourage people to buy hats, I have the Tiger rag, endorsed by Harry Roy!

Similarly, Benny Goodman and Stan Kenton endorsed Adam hats in the 40s. (Adam might have been unusually daring in promotion, though - they were doing TV ads as early as 1941.)

its easy: no matter what period you love, dont try too hard. IMO if you look like youre a carbon copy out of a 30s, 40s, whatever movie: youve done something wrong.

Better by far to find old photographs from daily life, and get your ideas from there.

 

[Dr Doran]

its easy: no matter what period you love, dont try too hard. IMO if you look like youre a carbon copy out of a 30s, 40s, whatever movie: youve done something wrong.

.02

I think there is some truth in this.

 

[LizzieMaine]

It is interesting to see by the late 1930s the use of Hats was deffinately declining especially amoung younger men.

I know there are a lot of Getty images of young men in the late 1930s, few seem to be wearing hats. I know they brought out hats endorsed by band leaders to try and encourage people to buy hats, I have the Tiger rag, endorsed by Harry Roy!

Hatlessness was very much a trend among college boys of the early/mid-thirties, attracting enough attention to be immortalized in a song lyric of the day:

"I'm really not a sap -- it's plain to see! But if I wore a hat they'd never let me back in the University!" -- "I Haven't Got A Hat" (1934)

 

[Schofields]

Better by far to find old photographs from daily life, and get your ideas from there.

this i can get behind

 

[Marc Chevalier]

When I dress vintage, I very rarely wear a hat, mainly as I find them a nuisance a lot of the time.

That's me you're describing.


.

 

[Forgotten Man]

And when he dose wear a hat, he never takes it off in side:eusa_doh: lol

Coming in late here kids, just my two bits to someone who wants to know what authentic is or, at least my interpretation of the word.

Being authentic goes deeper then the clothes. It's being old fashioned minded as well. Now, I'm not so much trying to imply that a man has to be a perfect gentleman... It's nice and appreciated but, if one isn't a Cary Grant, don't try and be someone you're not. Also, I've seen a few play act when they dress up... that's fun some times but, it's not authentic.

Mixing different periods in one outfit has never been something I appreciate, makes someone look as if they were in a fight with a time machine and lost.lol That's my opinion of course.

My self, I take a look at photos of the era, mostly snap shots. Hollywood had it's influences in daily dress but, not everyone fallowed fashion as closely as some may like to think.

To look authentic means for men to wear their pants HIGH! Up around their navel if not higher; Lending the pants are cut that way. Depending on ones size, pants of that era isn't impossible to find and something I feel is one item of clothing that will make or break a period look. Pants today VS those of the 30s to 50s were so different in drape and cut that modern pants hardly ever pass for period because of their lower cuts and pile of fabric around the shoes.

One last thing, wearing hats doesn't mean wearing them to show off like a museum piece. Grab the hat, put it on, cock it to the side some, give'em attitude, show people that ya know yer onions! I encourage everyone to just pay attention to how hats were worn then, it's very important when pulling off a period correct look.

For the guys, it is very, very important that shoes are close to correct as possible... shoes don't have to be vintage, but they should have leather soles and a trim cut. Nothing bulky, shoes don't have to be two toned either, red/brown or black is perfectly period.

Pour over family snap shots, old black and white flicks made in the period you want to portray... you'll also pick up some lingo that can come in handy to adding to the old fashioned feel and mind set.

Hope that helps some.

 

[Marc Chevalier]

And when he dose wear a hat, he never takes it off inside:eusa_doh: lol

Never? Nonsense, and you know it. Sometimes I don't and sometimes I do. Here's where I did, smartypants:

Mixing different periods ... makes someone look as if they were in a fight with a time machine and lost.lol

lol :eusa_clap Call it the 'Doctor Who' syndrome.




.

 

[chanteuseCarey]

Miss1929, I felt so comfortable and thereby could relax and have fun at the vintage Deco events, especially when I was just I starting out in the wonderful world of vintage (and our family too) at the Yosemite Heritage Holidays event in early March'09- BECAUSE OF PEOPLE LIKE YOU!!

Due to your kindness and encouragement, I, my hubby, and our kids too felt very welcomed. We've gotten more involved as a result.

I adore seeing a perfectly put-together vintage look, where all items are the real thing or perfect repros, and all are the same year. It takes dedication, intelligence, and time and money!

But I also adore seeing a new face at an event I have been going to for years, and if their outfit isn't perfect, but you can tell they made the attempt, then they get points for trying! I always try to connect with the newbies too, they often are very happy to get information, and they are the next generation..