Visions of Taffeta Dance in My Head

Charles James Gowns photographed by Cecil Beaton, June 1948 Vogue.

On the balmiest days of summer I’m a rather nostalgic little ninny, so you can imagine what happens at Christmas.  No carol is loud enough, no lights bright enough, no wrapping paper gaudy enough.   I like to think that I become a better, more vibrant version of myself at Christmas.  More giving, chattier, more sparkling.  Of course, that may be the eggnog talking.  And the fact that around Christmas I manage to work sequins and/or jet beading into every outfit, including my nightgown.

This Christmas, thanks to my current obsession with Irving Penn, Norman Parkinson and Cecil Beaton, I want to head back to the 1940-50′s, wrap myself in a mink stole, put on some scarlet lipstick and a fabulous hat, and go dancing somewhere smoky and fabulous.  Have you seen White Christmas?  Is there any denying that, for a die-hard Christmas fan, that was Christmas’s golden era?  Besides Mariah Carey’s Christmas album (I don’t care what anyone says, that album is flawless) can you name a classic Christmas song penned after 1960?

In the spirit of glamour and sharing, these are some of the images dancing in my head.  Forget sugarplums;  think feathered hats and rustling silk taffeta. (Click on images to view larger.)

Cocoa-colored Balenciaga Dress, Paris, 1950. By Irving Penn. Image Courtesy of Conde Nast.

Christian Dior house models wearing the Spring/Summer 1957 collection. By Cecil Beaton. Image courtesy of Getty Images.

Legroux Soeurs Hat by Norman Parkinson, Vogue 1952