1957 Tiffany Ball

J

johnpa_ct

Registered Guest
Hi, My wife and I are attending a re-enactment of the 1957 Tiffany Ball in Newport RI at the famous Breakers Mansion. My question is ...we would like to go dressed for that period and have no idea what we should wear. It's black tie so I am going in a tux but what style, tails or not type of collar etc... For my wife what type of dress should she wear etc...
If someone could point us in a direction as to where we might find pictures of what people would wear going to a ball in 1957 it would be very helpful!

Thanks John
 
Here is a picture that appeared in several 1957 newspaper articles that described the upcoming ball. The caption said: "This is a gown designed for a member of the Tiffany Ball committee in black silk organza printed with huge red roses, shorter in front, with sweeping train. Worn with necklace, earrings, bracelet of diamonds, rubies."

<img src=http://another-time.com/vintageclothing/TiffanyBallGown1957.jpg>

Lynne
 
In the 1950s (and still true today) The term 'black tie' is used to denote semi-formal, which is tuxedos for men and cocktail dresses for women. White tie would mean tails for men and full length dresses for women but these events don't really exist anymore outside of royal and embassy events. The image shown above is very dressy but would still constitute a cocktail dress because of the length of the skirt at the front, also the bareness around her neck and shoulders would be sexier than what would be considered appropriate at a formal event.
 
Your tuxedo should black wool or mohair, single breasted, with satin/satin trimmed narrow lapel. Flat front pants...and if you don't want to look the chump, the coat and pants must be an original match. NO vest, but probably a cumberbund unless the pants have a fancy waistband. Your shirt should have a standard collar...not a wingtip...with knife-pleated front and French cuffs, white cotton ONLY--frills or colors are 70s), and fasten with black/gray pearl or onyx studs and links. NO big flashy cufflinks in Newport unless you're in the band or from Vegas . Your cumberbund and tie-it-yourself bowtie COULD be plaid, but black is the usual. NO NO NO clip on tie, and the tie will be narrow. Thin black longish sox and since the traditional man's opera pump w/faille bow is virtually extinct, a fragile black dress shoe with thin leather sole is probably OK. Gucci yes, Crocs no.

Your wife will want to accessorize with seamed hose, stiletto pumps and a matching bag in colors that coordinate with her dress, and the INDISPENSIBLE mink stole. She can dispense with the diamonds and go for rhinestones. And call the beauty salons...in 1957 all ladies had HAIRDOs.


Wish you were in Portland Oregon...our shop could dress you both top to toe.

I would DEFINITELY shop the vintage stores in your area.
 
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