Suits

I am actually doing some sewing, and really enjoying it, but it isn't something which I can share here just yet. So instead, here is another section from my January 1960 Vogue counter catalogue - suits.

A whole section, and quite near the front of the catalogue

The idea of a section devoted solely to suits seems bizarre now, but it isn't a minor part of the catalogue. It runs to 57 pages, and contains 88 patterns. Don't worry, I'm not going to cover them all!

Some of the styles on offer

A few, such as this one, have longer jackets and more fitted lines.

This looks far more modern than 1960 to me

But most have shorter jackets, and variations on the classic 1960s boxy shape.

That's more like it

A couple of pages, as well as the front page of the section, are photographs. Oddly, none of them are of especially new patterns. The latter two had appeared in Vogue Pattern Book so presumably, after going to the expense of colour photography, Vogue was getting maximum use out of the artwork.

A less structured style

Chunky cord and a fur collar seems like an odd combination

The majority of the patterns are Vogue Special Designs. I'm not sure if this was because of the tailoring involved, or if by 1960 suits were mostly made and worn by the sort of women who bought more expensive patterns.

Nice symmetry, and another big fur collar

Most of the suits are for daywear, but some could also be made for evening by using a different fabric

The evening option is just suggested at the top

Others are specifically evening wear. This pattern is also a Vogue Special Design, but the logo has been omitted from the page. Oops.

This is very much evening only

A jacket and skirt is the usual combination, but there are a few jacket and dress combinations.

Killer pattern matching on that tweed!

There is even one with a waistcoat, if you wanted a three-piece look.

The pink waistcoat looks a bit out of place

Some include a blouse as well.

Whereas this blouse goes well with the jacket

Including this pattern with a hood/cowl neck, which featured in a 1959 article in Vogue Pattern Book.

Hoodie, 1960 style

One thing which almost all of the patterns have in common is straight skirts. Gathered skirts only appear in patterns for girls or teens, and even flared skirts seem to be intended for younger wearers.

Definitely younger figures

I'm often struck by the subtle details which illustrators are able to bring to pattern art, and Vogue 4053 is a perfect example.

Subtle shading

The notes say that the bodice is cut on the bias, but the skirt can be cut on the straight grain or the bias. Without having to resort to anything as obvious as stripes, the two plain dresses illustrate the difference. You can almost hear the rustle of the yellow shot silk which view A was undoubtedly made from.