1950's Poodle Skirt

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The Poodle Skirt - Symbol of 1950's Americana

The Poodle Skirt is a fashion that immediately brings to mind the 1950's decade. The interesting thing about the decorated circle skirt is that it was actually designed in 1947 by a young actress-turned-designer named Juli Lynne Charlot.

Miss Charlot made a skirt to wear to a Los Angeles holiday party by cutting a big circle of felt with a hole in the middle to fit her own waist. Then she appliqued "whimsical felt Christmas tress" on it.

For her next project, it was suggested that Charlot create a line featuring dogs. Among the dog skirts was the poodle, and the rest is fashion history. The skirt was a huge it, and was copied widely.

The poodle skirt was easy for young girls to make at home, and decorate with symbols of the Rock 'n Roll era including 45 rpm records and decks of cards.

It was perfect for Swinging to the sounds of Bill Haley and the Comets, Chuck Berry and Elvis. What better outfit to wear while dancing the Lindy Hop and Jitter Bug.

The poodle skirt remains one of the most memorable symbols of 1950's Americana.

Not Your Mother's Skirt 

The poodle skirt defined the teenage girl.

The 1950's gave birth to the teenager as we know it. This was the first time that marketers targeted adolescents. Movies, books, gadgets, music, and fashions were being produced specifically for teenagers. Previously there had been "junior" fashions, but they were similar to what adults were wearing.

Fashion changed radically in the 1950's. Novelty prints were used in women's fashion. Day wear included a blouse and cardigan over a bright skirt. An adult woman would not wear a poodle skirt under any circumstances. It was something just for the teenage girls. The Poodle Skirt became a way for teenagers to create a fashion of their own.

 

The Classic Poodle Skirt 

A wide circular skirt with an interesting applique

The Poodle Skirt skirt was traditionally a wide swing felt skirt of a solid bold color (often pink or powder blue). Felt was inexpensive and quick and easy to sew, and could take an ironed-on appliqué.

The most popular poodle skirt appliqué was a coiffed French poodle, usually with a bow on its head and a sparkly leash attached the wound its way up to the skirt's waist. The poodle often sported a sparkly collar and bright eyes.

Poodles were not the only items used on these skirts, just the best remembered. Other appliqués included flamingos, flowers, hot rod cars, silvery telephones, and black records surrounded by the words "See ya later, alligator."

The hemline for this skirt was to the knee or just below. It was worn over a crinoline petticoat made from netting stiffly starched to provide the lift needed to flare and swish.

The complete outfit included bobby sox, saddle shoes, a blouse and cardigan, chiffon scarf and ponytail, and rhinestone cats eye glasses. This remains one of the defining images of the 1950's.

 

Saddle-50 Ladies Saddle Shoes 1950s By Pleaser

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61459 Poodle Chiffon Scarf NEW BY FORUM

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Make Your Own Poodle Skirt 

Making your own Poodle Skirt is easy and fun.

Even if you don't sew, making a Poodle Skirt can be a fun project. You can find plenty of simple patterns for full circle skirts at your local sewing center or online.

If you choose one with an elastic waist you won't have to bother with a zipper. Free Applique has a very authentic poodle applique you can download.

Once you have the pattern and applique you just need to make a trip to the local fabric store for the felt and whatever fabric needed for the applique.

You can use Wonder Under Fusible Web to attach the dog to the skirt. No sewing required. Place the poodle applique towards the bottom of a wide skirt, then add some loops to her leash while angling the leash up towards the waist of the skirt. Use fabric glue to add a sequin collar and sparkly eyes.

Put on your pink poodle skirt and get ready for the sock hop! This swinging skirt is just the thing for dancing and romancing.

 

Juli Lynne Charlot described herself as "unable to sew."

"I cut it out of felt, because I didn't know how to sew, and that was the only material I knew wide enough to cut a complete circle skirt without any seams."

The Poodle Skirt Is Great for Halloween or 50's Theme Party 

The basic poodle skirt is a 50s costume classic. This fifties style full circle skirt with poodle applique is perfect for a 1950s theme party, sock hop or as a Halloween costume. Pair up with a Greaser Jacket for a great 50s couple costume.

Adult Sock Hop 50s Poodle Skirt Costume

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Swing Dance on YouTube 

Dance Performance "At The Hop" with The Lindy Hop All-Stars 2006

The Lindy Hop All-Stars perform at a New Jersey School for Dance. The Show was titled "At The Hop" and the performers in this number are Matt Bedell and Jennifer Jones, Roddy Caravella and Amanda Brewster, Paolo Pasta Lanna and Vanessa Toleno. 2006

Runtime: 49
2139 views
1 Comments:

curated content from YouTube

Your Poodle Skirt Must Have A Crinoline Petticoat 

Your circle skirt will look its best with a crinoline underneath giving you a 50's hourglass figure. You will have more fullness in your 'twirl' and a glimpse of netting as you turn. It's a fun way to jazz up your outfit and give your skirt more bounce.

Hey Viv! Adult Sz: Poodle Skirt Crinoline Slip

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Ready to Swing ? Here's a fun 50's style Crinoline - perfect for your Poodle Skirt or Circle Skirt.

 

You might wonder why the poodle is the most popular emblem.
I heard through the grape vine the that the poodle and leash meant you were going steady. The leash meant you were tied to someone. No leash meant you were playing the field.

Did You Ever Wear A Poodle Skirt? 

If you were not yet born, maybe you wore one as a costume.

The Poodle Skirt is an easy costume to make for adults and children. You could decorate it with your favorite emblems of the day.

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Poodle Skirt Is Easy Even If You Can't Sew 

Great for 1950's Grease or Happy Days Impression

A Poodle Skirt can make an excellent Halloween costume for children or adults. They can also be worn to sock-hops and other 50's themed parties. The best part about a poodle skirt is that it is actually quite easy to make yourself.

Butterick Poodle Skirt Sewing Pattern 4286

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1950's At the Hop Poodle Skirt Pattern

Amazon Price: $21.00 (as of 12/29/2009) Buy Now

Swing By And Drop A Line 

Tell us what you like most about the 1950's

If you have ever made a Poodle Skirt, what's been the secret of your success besides having a huge table to cut out more than 4 yards of felt?

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About the author 

Lensmaster LindaBee has been a member since October 30 2007, has rated 42 lenses, favorited 12, and has created 13 lenses from scratch. This member's top-ranked page is "1950's Poodle Skirt". See all my lenses

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This Lens Was Created by a RocketMom 


In Project # 3 of RocketMoms Session 3 we were to create a lens that depicted a symbol or icon of a favorite decade.

Here are a few of those impressive creations that are sure to stir a few memories.

by LindaBee

I love the 1950's. It was a wonderful time of celebration and fun. I was too young for the sock hop but I loved listening to the music on the radio an... (more)

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