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Those who don’t learn from the past may be doomed to repeat it, but in the case of Oscars fashion trends, that may actually be a good thing.
Canadian blogger Sarah Ganske took to Twitter Saturday to share a fascinating and revealing look back at vintage Oscar fashion through the years.
And now for a GIF parade of vintage Oscars glamour. If gowns, caftans, and bouffants aren't your thing, you may want to mute me for an hour.
— Sarah Ganske (@thebasementtan) February 25, 2017
In the thread, Ganske outlined what fashion codes said about their eras — like the matronly caftan that in the ’60s declared the presence of an established figurehead:
In the late 1960s, "fabulous caftan" denoted "Hollywood legend." Irene Dunne is pure sunshine in this marigold number from 1967. pic.twitter.com/CSSPSQrpYN
— Sarah Ganske (@thebasementtan) February 25, 2017
She also homed in on personal style evolutions. Particularly revealing were the Three Stages of Elizabeth Taylor:
Occasionally, "princess" goes a step too far. In 1949, Elizabeth Taylor made use of a hoop skirt to create her own personal space bubble. pic.twitter.com/priDCq6izf
— Sarah Ganske (@thebasementtan) February 25, 2017
By 1957, Liz had graduated from "princess" to "queen". You have to be pretty sure of yourself to confidently don a tiara that big. pic.twitter.com/tZ4Fxz52mF
— Sarah Ganske (@thebasementtan) February 25, 2017
Liz did not get more subtle with age, thank god. By 1970 she had reached peak Lizness. When the jewels are that big, the hair must match. pic.twitter.com/ir2J9khh1i
— Sarah Ganske (@thebasementtan) February 25, 2017
What becomes immediately apparent from Ganske’s thread is how timeless certain looks have remained over the years.
Sparkle has been an Academy Awards fashion staple through every decade. This Diahann Carroll look from 1967 is perfection. pic.twitter.com/of1lX1UlUn
— Sarah Ganske (@thebasementtan) February 25, 2017
This form-fitting metallic gown on Cyd Charisse in 1959 might be the epitome of a great Oscars gown. Excellent deployment of opera gloves. pic.twitter.com/U7PK1ABrfG
— Sarah Ganske (@thebasementtan) February 25, 2017
After all, style trends may come and go, but having to walk in high heels is forever.
Here, Debbie Reynolds shows us another danger of 1960s fashion: Having to take seriously tiny steps. She handles it beautifully. pic.twitter.com/B9nSlRCzeR
— Sarah Ganske (@thebasementtan) February 25, 2017
But what’s especially surprising is how much personal style has managed to seep onto the red carpet over the years. As my colleague Constance Grady noted, in the age of the best-dressed list, the Oscars aren’t really the moment for risk-taking fashion anymore. It’s refreshing, then, to see how expressive many Oscars looks from yesteryear could be.
Tired of an endless parade of gowns? Here's Ellen Burstyn, one of the hosts of the 49th Academy Awards, in her 1970s ruffle-shirted glory. pic.twitter.com/qnUpexL0v3
— Sarah Ganske (@thebasementtan) February 25, 2017
Self-expression at the Oscars isn't limited to actors and actresses. Here is costume design god Edith Head accepting her first Oscar in '50. pic.twitter.com/b88tVXv2mG
— Sarah Ganske (@thebasementtan) February 25, 2017
One of my favourite Oscar looks ever is Barbra in the see-through Scaasi pantsuit. I also love her in this 1970 Scaasi, with matching hat. pic.twitter.com/SKnPVY57eC
— Sarah Ganske (@thebasementtan) February 25, 2017
The thread gained traction on Twitter in the buildup to Sunday’s Oscar night, and Ganske picked up a few new followers as a result.
She knew just how to welcome them.
Welcome, new followers! In addition to vintage fashion, I tweet about classic film and politics. It's not pure escapism around here. Except: pic.twitter.com/Rm9IlU9AV4
— Sarah Ganske (@thebasementtan) February 26, 2017
