05.14.07
Getting Married circa 1950
A friend of mine, Mahmoud, who has a very good eye for recycling, spotted an 18-inch stack of old books and craft & fashion magazines that a used book shop was throwing away. Thanks to his muscle, I can now scan and share with you French fashion illustrations and craft patterns that date from the 1880s to 1960s. I hope you’ll find as much enjoyment in them as I have!
Today, I bring to you French wedding fashion from the January 1950 edition of the monthly Modes et Travaux. The drawings are charming, and the articles and projects are a fun entry into marriage customs of yesteryear. Seldom heard of today, the traditional trousseau was once a top priority for young women to prepare: who could think of getting married without a wooden chest full of embroidered linen sheets, napkins, and tablecloths? Today, these items fetch a pretty penny: at yesterday’s antique fair on the Place de la Bastille a single sheet was priced at over 100 euros. Since I have a “W” in my initials, chances are I’ll never find antique linens with my monogram (in France at least), but I wouldn’t have the money for it anyway. Perhaps I’ll try my hand at embroidery myself, using my vintage magazines as a guide.
Click images to enlarge.
Grace said,
May 15, 2007 at 3:37 am
Who would have a trousseau you ask? Why Rachel of course! Love you!