Window Display Photographs, 1948-1959

Summary

Abstract:
Photographs of shop windows displaying women's fashion in New York and California.
Extent:
0.5 linear ft.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

Window Display Photographs,

Background

Scope and content:

The Window Display Photographs contains black and white photographs depicting shop window displays from various stores in New York City and California. Almost half are of the department store Peck & Peck, and a good number are of Sterne's, Buffums', and others. Most feature women's clothing products on mannequins, while a few display children's clothes or home goods. The displays are arranged as aspirational narratives around travel, parties, and leisure activities.

Biographical / historical:

In 1947, Christian Dior's new fashion line, the "New Look," emerged and became an instant success. It featured a nipped-in waist and full-skirted silhouette which dominated women's fashion of the 1950s. There was emphasis on elegance, formality, and femininity. There were often bright patterns which demonstrates a playfulness and experimentation in fashion.

As the decade progressed, new designers introduced different silhouettes. Clothing became less structured and straighter in cut. The straight-cut suit emphasized a woman's natural shape. Meanwhile, the craze for sportswear continued, and designers created clothing for women to wear in any sort of occasion, such as the sundress, swimsuit, or even slacks. Regardless of occasion, however, it was exceedingly important that a woman always be impeccably groomed.

Window displays first made their appearance by the 1920s, but it wasn't until the 1950s that department store retailers realized the potential of their window displays to attract customers. Mannequins made their way to the windows, and retailers became creative in their elaborate displays, maintaining how they wanted their stores and products to be perceived. 1950s window displays are a glimpse into the psychology of women's fashion and advertising in the mid 20th century, emphasizing the values and aspirations of women to be fashionable and well-groomed.

Acquisition information:
Purchased May 13 2022.
Arrangement:

The collection is arranged alphabetically by store.

Access and use

Restrictions:

The majority of our archival and manuscript collections are housed offsite and require advance notice for retrieval. Researchers are encouraged to contact us in advance concerning the collection material they wish to access for their research.

Terms of access:

Written permission must be obtained from SCRC and all relevant rights holders before publishing quotations, excerpts or images from any materials in this collection.

Preferred citation:

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

Window Display Photographs,

Location of this collection:
Special Collections Research Center
Syracuse University Libraries
Bird Library, Room 600
Syracuse, NY 13244, United States
Link to repository site
Contact:
315.443.2697
scrc@syr.edu