Step into 1950s fashion with our vintage fashion show in Aarhus. Discover original styles, everyday dresses, and evening gowns, while exploring women’s lives and fashion history in post-war Denmark.
On a quiet July afternoon, with the sun warming the yellow walls of our little backyard in the centre of Aarhus, we hosted a small 1950s fashion show behind our vintage shop, Vintage Divine.
All of the models were local women — friends, neighbours, and regular customers — who volunteered to take part. They shared a genuine passion for vintage fashion and were excited to bring true 1950s style to life, up close and in person.
The aim of the show was simple: to share the beautiful pieces from Mette’s collection and walk the audience through the key styles of 1950s fashion, while also telling the story of women’s lives in Denmark during that decade. From everyday dresses to elegant evening gowns, the show offered a glimpse into how clothing reflected both the ideals and realities of the time.
Come and take a look into the beautiful day with us.
It was buzzing with expectations outside the shop, as people arrived and took their places inside the beautiful yellow courtyard behind the shop.
Steen, also known as DJ Rattlebones, a local Aarhus DJ with a passion for vintage music and clothing, set the tone for the afternoon, spinning original 1950s vinyl on his old teak record player. The soft crackle of the records from the era created the perfect atmosphere as guests arrived and found their seats, with a glass of sparkling wine.
Steen, aka. DJ Rattlebones, spinning original 1950's vinyl records, on his teak DJ setup.
A bit nervous and excited, Mette started the 1950's fashions show, we had been working on for the past month, showcasing her beautiful collection of original 1950's clothes and accessories, of course all paired with her own vintage style shoe brand, memery shoes.
From War to Waistlines: The Rise of “The New Look”
We begin our story not in 1950, but in 1947. That year, French designer Christian Dior debuted his now-legendary style: The New Look. With nipped-in waists, full skirts, and softly rounded shoulders, it was a dramatic departure from the fabric-conserving styles of wartime.
Dior’s look emphasized elegance, volume, and grace — using generous amounts of fabric to create silhouettes that celebrated the female form. It was met with both admiration and criticism. Some women, who had found independence during the war, saw it as a step backward. And some were outraged by the amount of fabric used for the big skirts of the New Look style, in a time where rationing was still a reality for many. But many embraced the return to glamour and after years of practicality and rationing.
In our show, Camilla opened with a Bar Suit-inspired ensemble: a fitted cream jacket with narrow shoulders and a full, black contrast skirt. Stinna, meanwhile, dons a classic brown walking suit with pearl embroidery that emphasizes the waist-to-hip ratio. Accessories such as gloves, hats, and handbags complete the look — essential in any elegant 1950s outfit.
Camilla showcasing the New Look in a Bar Suit inspired outfit, paired with our own Julia pumps from memery.
Stinna in an original walking suit from the late 1940's. On her feet is our brown suede Edith pumps.
Everyday Elegance
The New Look wasn't just reserved for haute couture — it quickly found its way into everyday wardrobes.
Kristina wears a dusky rose dress with wide patch pockets that broaden the hips, while Susan is dressed in a black dress with tiny red dots, elbow-length sleeves, and a defined waistline. These feminine silhouettes were perfect for the idealised post-war “housewife” image.
Kristina walking the cobble stone runway in our suede Luise pumps, matching her early 1950's dress.
Susan in a New Look dress, accessorized with hat, gloves, clutch and our suede Ella sandals.
Evening Glamour: Tulle, Taffeta & Sequins
As society celebrated peace and prosperity, eveningwear became a true spectacle. Siri and Christinna glide down the runway in floor-length tulle gowns with voluminous skirts and sequin embellishments. These dramatic dresses reflect the Hollywood influence of the era.
Siri in a gorgeous grey tulle gown from the mid 1950s, embroidered with sparkling sequins on the bust.
Another tulle gown, here modeled by Christinna, but with a completely different look: A deep blue color with white sequins and pearls embroidered ont he skirt, paired with matching white gloves. Underneath the hem you can spot our Susan shoes in gold.
Kirstine and Anne followed in playful, polka-dotted party dresses — a favourite print of icons like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn. Light, romantic, and youthful, these styles captured the spirit of a generation.
A beautiful light blue dress with small white dots, which goes perfectly with our Marlene shoes in silver.
The stunning flor length pink gown with small black dots from the early 1950s, with scallop collar and matching handbag.
Couture & Modesalons
For special occasions, many women turned to high-end fashion houses — or Danish couture salons like Ranjé (founded by Ejnar Engelbert) and Holger Blom, who famously dressed Danish royalty and actresses.
Camilla and Stinna display stunning evening gowns made of chiffon, velvet, and satin — evoking the glamour of Grace Kelly or Ingrid Bergman.
The flowy fabric of this coral colored gown is mesmerizing. You can get a peek of our red Julia pumps underneath the flowing skirts.
This stunning flor length gown, has a black velvet top and a burgundy taffeta skirt, with little black dots. Notice the matching purse and headpiece.
Youthful Partywear: A New Generation
The 1950s introduced the concept of the teenager — and with it came a new style of dressing that was age-appropriate, fresh, and fun.
Esther wears a soft pink brocade evening gown with a floral pattern, sleeveless cut, and a wide collar — elegant but still youthful, with understated accessories and makeup.
Ea shows a more playful look in a knee-length red velour party dress with a matching belt and soft pleats. Shorter dresses like this were perfect for dancing and gave a relaxed, modern feel — a far cry from adult formality.
Esther in the gorgeous rose gown, giving a Disney princess feel.
Ea is showing a youthful party dress, with a knee length skirt, which really showcases the golden Susan shoes on her feet.
Changing Looks with Accessories
In the 1950s, accessories were key to transforming an outfit — especially eveningwear. Many women had just one formal dress, but by adding a shawl, short jacket, or feathered stole, they could give it a fresh look.
Ditte wears a floor-length black lace gown gown with a matching lace bolero and matching feathered hat. Kristina, in contrast, shows a shorter brocade dress in soft green with a wide collar and belt, paired with a petticoat for extra volume.
Long or short, it was all about silhouette, style — and a personal touch.
The Ida shoes fit great with their cutouts matching the black lace fabric of the gown perfectly.
The green color of the dress was a match made in heaven to the green Esther pumps.
Beach Life & Holiday Fun
By the mid-1950s, holidays and leisure time became more accessible. Siri and Anne show off classic cotton beachwear with halterneck tops, built-in support, and playful skirts. Sunhats and cat-eye sunglasses complete the beach look.
Anne in an adorable blue 1950s playsuit, with out matching Sidse sandals in navy.
Siri is ready for the beach in a green cotton playsuit with matching sunhat and parasol.
The Foundation Beneath: Undergarments & Nightwear
Underwear played a critical role in achieving the fashionable silhouette. Christinna displays an original corset with back lacing and suspender clips. Camilla wears a full underdress with petticoats to support her skirt’s volume. Nylon stockings, held up with garters, were standard, as were slips, girdles, and even padded hips.
Kirstine, in a soft white silk nightgown and deep red satin robe, embodies the elegance of 1950s loungewear — stylish even at breakfast.
Kirstine shows off the gorgeous deep red robe, and her beautiful silk nightgown underneath.
Christinna in original 1950s underwear with lacing and seamed stockings and the golden Susan evening sandals for an elegant touch.
Crinolines and petticoats were essential to give the skirts and dresses the right shape. Camilla is showing it off gracefully in the red Julia pumps.
Walking Suits & Practical Fashion
Susan and Anne showcase classic walking suits — the go-to outfit for smart daywear. Constructed in sturdy fabrics like tweed or wool jersey, they featured tailored jackets and knee-length skirts. Often worn with gloves and hats, walking suits were stylish yet practical.
The beautiful red 1950s walking suit is paired with black accessories and our practical Emily oxfords.
Susan in a perfectly tailored black walking suit from the 1950s with black accessories.
Teen Spirit: The Rise of the Teenager
The 1950s saw the birth of a new cultural identity — the teenager. For the first time, young people had their own fashion language, distinct from children or adults.
Ea wears high-waisted slacks, a lacy blouse with a Peter Pan collar, and sandal flats — an Audrey Hepburn-inspired look. Esther pairs a circle skirt with a crisp white blouse and cardigan, ready to dance the night away to rock’n’roll at the local street dance.
Everyday Life & Practical Style
Post-war life brought new household tools — like washing machines and freezers — and a growing focus on home and family. Fashion followed suit: clothes needed to be both feminine and practical.
While the ideal was the stay-at-home wife, many women worked — either from home or in shops, factories, or offices.
Ditte wears a classic everyday outfit: a lace-detailed blouse paired with a high-waisted floral cotton skirt. An apron ties it all together, and a scarf keeps her hair in place — a simple, functional look for a busy day.
Showing off the classic 1950s housewife look with the practical, yet stylish yellow Sidse sandals.
Summer Style
Lightweight cotton dresses in pastel hues and cheerful prints were perfect for outings in the park or at the seaside.
Stinna models a summery striped day dress with a matching hat. Christinna wears a crisp white and blue dress with a straw hat and sunglasses. These looks were fresh, functional, and fashionable.
Both of the beautiful models are wearing our Sidse sandals in red and cream colour, to match their sundresses.
Mothers & Daughters: Style and Everyday Practicality
Kristina wears a light purple cotton summer dress with dark blue accessories and a low waist — a soft, classic look of the time. Her daughter wears a sweet white dress, simple and practical for summer.
Children’s clothing in the 1950s was clearly age-specific: durable, modest, and often homemade. Outfits were sewn or knitted to last — and passed down, altered, or repaired as needed. Recycling clothing was a natural part of everyday life, and styles reflected both function and care.
The lovely purple dress with a scallop hem waistline and blue accessories are matched with our Luise pumps.
Bridal Dreams
The ideal of marriage and family was central to the 1950s narrative, and the wedding dress became a cultural symbol.
Siri wears a brocade mid-calf wedding gown with a matching jacket, a soft veil, and a delicate flower crown. The silhouette follows Dior’s aesthetic, with a fitted waist and full skirt — often handmade or passed down from mother to daughter.
The tea length wedding dress brings a lot of attentions to the shoes - in this case our golden Susan evening sandals.
The End of the Runway
As our show comes to a close, we reflect on how 1950s fashion was more than clothing — it was a reflection of social ideals, changing roles, and newfound optimism. From Dior’s New Look to playful polka dots, from corsets to cardigans, the decade balanced tradition with transformation.
Many of these styles continue to inspire today, reminding us of an era where grace, glamour, and practicality walked hand in hand.
All in all, it was a truly special day — sharing the beauty of 1950s fashion with an engaged and enthusiastic audience in such a lovely setting. We wrapped up the afternoon with a glass of bubbles in hand, toasting to a fun, successful event filled with great memories.
