Way back, when your Granny was a twinkle in your Great Grandpa’s eye, Britain was recovering from the second World War. Shops were slowly beginning to stock unrationed groceries and extra money was available for luxuries. So how did we celebrate? We added a load of gorgeous fabric into our daywear and created clothes that were much more flattering and luxurious than the basic utilitarian styles available during the war. Christian Dior added swathes of fabric to skirts and dresses to create the full circle swing dress that came to be known as the Dior New Look. So feminine, so flirty and so attractive, the styles were photographed extensively by Richard Avedon who could see that the beauty of the flared dress was seen at its best when in movement. He took models out on the streets to create some of the most iconic fashion photographs; models are shown dancing, jumping, and captured at angles to emphasise the dramatic curves revealed by a cinched waist and the full circle skirt of a swing dress.
Avedon is, of course, famous for capturing the ethereal beauty of Audrey Hepburn, Dovima and Suzy Parker, but one of my favourite photographs is Shoe by Perugia, Place du Trocadéro, Paris, August 1948. A strange choice given all the iconic images we associate with Avedon, but just look at the way the line of that leg echoes the curve of the Eiffel Tower in the background; such a clever image and so pleasing to the eye. That flared skirt of fur and the matching trim on those shoes; this lady may be rocking the most sumptuous flared dress, but she is really quite feral underneath that sleek exterior. Look at how flattering a flared dress can be to the leg, accentuating the shape of the calves and ankle – really, the full circle dress imbues us all with the grace of a ballerina!
Does your wardrobe require a little flare? Can you see yourself twirling in a full circle dress this summer? Our Dee Dee Full Circle Dress in navy polka dot captures the essence of 1950s Paris, très chic! Or you could snare the carnal qualities of the Dee Dee Wild Leopard full circle dress, it is a limited edition so you may need to fight tooth and nail to get one! Our Dee Dee Full Circle Dresses are a British Retro classic and based on an actual 1950s design, so there’s a little bit of vintage magic in each one. We use the highest quality stretch fabric and a front-boned, satin-lined bodice so you get the best support and fit, too. As with all our Full Circle Dresses, Dee Dee can be worn with or without one of our irresistibly frothy 1950s petticoats for the full vintage vibe. All we need now is a rainy Parisian street café and a talented photographer…