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Window Display Photographs

An inventory of the collection at Syracuse University


Finding aid created by: GU
Date: 31 Oct 2022

Biographical History

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.

Scope and Contents of the Collection

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.

Arrangement of the Collection

The collection is arranged alphabetically by store.

Restrictions

Access 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.

Use Restrictions:

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

Subject Headings

Corporate Bodies

Franklin Simon & Co.
Peck & Peck

Subjects

Advertising.
Department stores -- 1940-1950.
Fashion.

Places

California.
New York.

Genres and Forms

Photographs.

Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

Window Display Photographs,
Special Collections Research Center,
Syracuse University Libraries

Acquisition Information

Purchased May 13 2022.

Table of Contents

Photographs

Inventory