Princess & the Beach
Century after century, summer remains a highlight of the year. The sun stays out past 6 pm, the air becomes fresher while you’re by the beach, there’s an increase in peace and a decrease in stress. This spot in the calendar marks a time to let loose and to live carefree. This year’s summer marks an era of vintage glamour wrapped up in a modern elegance, where an outburst of color and self-expression has transpired and taken over beach wear. This summer, the modern princess takes a walk down memory lane that leads to the 50s.
The 1950s has returned as a blast from the past, and not as simply costume roleplay. It’s returned to influence us and it’s clearly working, as it has taken over Hollywood, seen in season 3 of Euphoria. In this season, Cassie appears dressed in a gingham haltered bikini top and mini shorts, posing for a photo taken by Maddy. Gingham patterns have been around for ages: it was very popular in the 50s, and worn by various actresses. Women had gingham dresses, gingham bikinis, gingham skirts. It’s simple, chic, and obviously timeless. Halter tops became trendy because of Hollywood as well. This top is a symbol of allure and elegance, and famous figures like Marilyn Monroe reinforced this: Monroe’s most iconic look was a white halter dress. Now onto Maddy: we can see her picking up Cassie from Nate’s home in a luxury, vintage-style convertible wearing a classy scarf over her hair and big sunglasses, a look that was frequently worn by Audrey Hepburn. A look that is perfect for a day by the beach, as it offers protection from both the wind and sun. We can also see Alexandra Leclerc in gingham at the Frame Launch Party in Miami. Cindy Kimberly’s fashion brand Loba Woman also released a dress in gingham. These looks didn’t just come out of nowhere, especially with summer gradually approaching.
The 50s revival is a reaction to the minimalism apocalypse. As the world grows older and art modernizes, the modern princess realizes color is slowly disappearing. She wants a look where she looks more feminine and colorful. Nostalgia has always been an entity people latch onto, whether that be the year 2016 or almost 80 years ago when life felt a little simpler. The looks from the 50s carry a certain type of aesthetic influencers like to bring into their content. A certain feeling, if you will. The women in the 50s didn’t just dress nice, they also felt good about themselves. They didn’t feel the pressure of social media or constant digital attention, simply because social media wasn’t a part of their lives. That’s what the modern princess is all about.
The revival in color in the 50s, compared to the muted 40s, was a reaction to World War II and the Great Depression. During the war and Depression years, practically was valued over personal expression, leaving fashion drowned in muted browns and creams. The 50s brought about an economic boom, bringing color and simple pleasures back into life. Perhaps this is why the modern princess connects deeply with the 50s summer: it represents color, emotion, and nostalgia, everything she wants this summer to feel like. It makes her feel more appreciative for the smallest moments that make life full for her. Hiding from the sun under her oversized straw hat and laying under striped beach towels, she romanticizes everything she has that others may not have. And in this romanticization, the beach becomes a symbol of softness, glamour, and femininity that nothing can replace.