Vintage Inspiration: The Sixties

I came across loads of vintage advertisements recently and wanted to share a few, most that are predominantly from the sixties. It’s quite interesting to look back at how the marketing and fashion industry has changed. How far has the industry as a whole progressed with technology, company branding, and even textiles?

Although, fashion is ever changing and evolving with new technology, there are surely some elements that seem to just come back around again.

Can you see anything unique in these ads? What speaks to you first, the typography, the overall message, the garments or actual product being showcased?

Take an even closer look—from makeup to hemlines, my, my, we have come so far. I am certain we’ll likely be circling back again someday soon, even if only for a laugh or notable reference of influence.

Then:

Volkswagen Camper early 60s advertisement (source)

September Issue Vogue 1965 (source)

 

 Bobby Brooks/Woolite Ad (source)

 

Sandy Brown: Chanel 1961(source)

Kraft Velveeta Ad 1960 (source)

Today:

Here is an editorial that I am entirely bonkers about for Vogue UK August 2013. The autumnal modern take on the feminine and masculine elements: a bit of tweed meets military romance here seemed utterly marvellous. A massive applause goes to Francesca Burns for the smart styling as well as Alasdair Mclellan, who beautifully photographed this, which is an immediate winner in my opinion!

 

 See more photos and source here.

 

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115 comments

  • Noelani@MonPetitChouChou says:

    The vintage ads are so beyond fabulous- what a great point of reference. I just can't get over the Velveeta ad!! I wish I could read the fine print;)

    Reply
  • fifth n sixth says:

    Amazing inspiration, thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  • fifth n sixth says:

    Amazing inspiration, thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    I agree, they were more family oriented, today it seem more appeal with tech and visuals less text.Thanks for your comment, wishing you a grand weekend. x/M

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Hehe! I love viewing older ads as well. Thanks dear, Hope you enjoy your weekend. xx/Madison

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    🙂 xxoo Thanks so much!

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Haha, yes, hun you are so sweet, and thanks so much always for your wonderful and thoughtful comments dear. Happy weekend. xx/Madison

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Yes, some 60s elements I love as well. There really is so much to be inspired from that era though, so I can see why the client wanted to pull from that timeline. 🙂 Enjoy the weekend.

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Welcome back! And, thanks for the Bloglovin' live! xx I always love a nice tweed! 🙂

    Reply
  • miss b says:

    PS Following on Bloglovin' now

    Reply
  • miss b says:

    Just catching up after my holiday. What an interesting post! I love looking at vintage ads and it's surprising how much of this sixties trend is in the shops right now.. Love the tweeds for autumn too.

    Reply
  • Arash Mazinani says:

    I love 60s inspired pieces I started a Pinterest board when I was working with a client who we decided needed to draw some inspiration from that era. I'll have to get pinning these pictures! 🙂

    Reply
  • miss b says:

    Just catching up after my holiday. What an interesting post! I love looking at vintage ads and it&#39s surprising how much of this sixties trend is in the shops right now.. Love the tweeds for autumn too.

    Reply
  • Adeola Naomi Aderemi says:

    I love reading very old editorials and reading the word "bonker" in this post made me nostalgic for the UK, nobody use that word here.
    Great post sweetie.
    Hugs and kisses.

    Reply
  • Lola Finn says:

    Hi dear 🙂 wie geht´s???
    I love this vintage style!! So pretty!!
    Also the last two look!! Soooo amazing and stylish <3
    xoxo from Munich

    http://lola-finn.blogspot.de

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thanks for your comment Denise! I think most people agree and understand that it is more or less recycling in some form. You're right, and now 90s fashions have taken the stage …. /Madison

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Yes,dear!History repeats itself, namely "fashion." Enjoy the week love. xx

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thanks Emmy! xx

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thanks Lilli, so glad that you were inspired. xx

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    How cool! I love VW, then again a bit biased since my father's family is German. 🙂 Enjoy the week!

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Absolutely! Thanks for visiting and commenting. 🙂 /Madison

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thank you!

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thanks Viktoriya! Wishing you a great coming weekend.xx

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Exactly! 🙂

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Me too, the beauty industry has definitely changed! 🙂 I inboxed you! Your parcel was returned please reply dear so that we can send again. xx

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Yes, loved that Chanel one the most it was so different from now! 🙂 /Madison

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thanks so much dear. I am such a fan of vintage ads. There was a certain tone in all of them that i loved. Thanks for your comment. xoxo

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thank you sweet Sacramento. xx 🙂

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    You're welcome Rowena. That Vogue UK editorial is absolutely amazing, I want all of her coats! 🙂 xx

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Me too,Sharon! 🙂 Thanks!

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    You're correct, fashion definitely circles around Rebecca.Thank you dear. xx Hope you're having a wonderful week.

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    🙂 Hiya ladies, thanks so much!

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Great feedback Cee, thanks for your comment. I agree, and love hand drawing, but of course with technology today it makes things a lot easier.

    Reply
  • Mary Jo says:

    Such a cool comparison. What strikes me immediately is that the girls back then were not touched up – probably because it was much harder to touch up photos then and there was no digital. And they had freckles!
    xo Mary Jo

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Yes, I totally get you and your reference. 🙂 Thanks for your comment Alexis. 🙂

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thanks so much dear! So glad that you liked the inspiration. I agree. xx Take care. /Madison 🙂

    Reply
  • Jamillah says:

    oooo, i love love love the uk vogue spread. the colors are so super vibrant.

    my fave difference b/w the ads now and then are really that the spreads and ads now are a little more naughty and tough in general. i think vintage ads always look really feminine probably a sign of the times, and contemporary work is a lot more open to having masculinity and edge.

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thank you!

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    🙂 Hiya ladies, thanks so much!

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Yes, I totally get you and your reference. 🙂 Thanks for your comment Alexis. 🙂

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thanks so much dear! So glad that you liked the inspiration. I agree. xx Take care. /Madison 🙂

    Reply
  • Jamillah says:

    oooo, i love love love the uk vogue spread. the colors are so super vibrant.

    my fave difference b/w the ads now and then are really that the spreads and ads now are a little more naughty and tough in general. i think vintage ads always look really feminine probably a sign of the times, and contemporary work is a lot more open to having masculinity and edge.

    Reply
  • Cee says:

    I think it's fascinating just how much advertising has changed over the last fifty years! The one thing I wish hadn't changed is the move from hand drawn art to the constant use of models… granted, hand drawn advertising isn't equal to a Monet or a Picasso, but it did take true talent to draw ads and the results have such charm!
    xox,
    Cee

    Reply
  • Madara Lieciniece says:

    Ojh I so wish I could live a little while in the 60's! Would be so much fun!

    callmemaddie.blogspot.com
    Your chance to win in an International Giveaway!

    Reply
  • Cee says:

    I think it&#39s fascinating just how much advertising has changed over the last fifty years! The one thing I wish hadn&#39t changed is the move from hand drawn art to the constant use of models… granted, hand drawn advertising isn&#39t equal to a Monet or a Picasso, but it did take true talent to draw ads and the results have such charm!
    xox,
    Cee

    Reply
  • Madara Lieciniece says:

    Ojh I so wish I could live a little while in the 60&#39s! Would be so much fun!

    callmemaddie.blogspot.com
    Your chance to win in an International Giveaway!

    Reply
  • miranda says:

    Love!!!!!!

    XX,
    Mirandda

    Reply
  • fifth n sixth says:

    We personally think there's a lot to learn from when it comes to vintage, including the ads. These are totally inspiring….
    Hope you're having a great summer!!!

    xx
    5th&6th

    Reply
  • miranda says:

    Love!!!!!!

    XX,
    Mirandda

    Reply
  • Chicago Chic says:

    I love looking at old ads! I often think I was born in the wrong decade when I see them, haha. So much to value from looking at the past and at history.

    Reply
  • Sam @ Frills & Thrills says:

    Thanks so much for your kind thoughts on my last post 🙂 Have a great week!

    Reply
  • Rosalind Jana says:

    So interesting comparing the then and now images. We only have to look at the continuing appeal of actual vintage clothing or 'vintage inspired' to see how circular it all is. Love your choice of ads – especially the Bobby Brooks Woolite one!

    Reply
  • Anouka says:

    I absolutely love the last two photos. The kind of style I love!

    Reply
  • fifth n sixth says:

    We personally think there&#39s a lot to learn from when it comes to vintage, including the ads. These are totally inspiring….
    Hope you&#39re having a great summer!!!

    xx
    5th&6th

    Reply
  • Oh to Be a Muse says:

    The photos from Vogue UK today remind me of the '60s just with a modern update.

    Oh to Be a Muse
    Shop Layered Muse

    Reply
  • Chicago Chic says:

    I love looking at old ads! I often think I was born in the wrong decade when I see them, haha. So much to value from looking at the past and at history.

    Reply
  • Sam @ Frills & Thrills says:

    Thanks so much for your kind thoughts on my last post 🙂 Have a great week!

    Reply
  • Rebecca says:

    I totally think fashion circles around and around! I love these old ads! So much fun! The fashions are just amazing and perfect inspiration! I am liking your post on bloglovin!

    Rebecca

    http://www.winnipegstyle.ca

    Reply
  • Rosalind Jana says:

    So interesting comparing the then and now images. We only have to look at the continuing appeal of actual vintage clothing or &#39vintage inspired&#39 to see how circular it all is. Love your choice of ads – especially the Bobby Brooks Woolite one!

    Reply
  • Anouka says:

    I absolutely love the last two photos. The kind of style I love!

    Reply
  • Sharon says:

    The 60s were such an amazing time for fashion! I loved seeing these old ads!

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart

    Reply
  • Rowena @ rolala loves says:

    Thanks for sharing the vintage ads! It's great how we always circle back to certain styles. I love that mod always come back 🙂 That Vogue UK editorial is gorgeous and I love the Chanel look! Hope you're having a lovely week so far Madison!

    Reply
  • Oh to Be a Muse says:

    The photos from Vogue UK today remind me of the &#3960s just with a modern update.

    Oh to Be a Muse
    Shop Layered Muse

    Reply
  • Erika Sorocco says:

    I LOVE that Chanel ad! 🙂

    Reply
  • Ms Madge says:

    Vintage ads seem to be family orientated or family-values orientated. Not a massive fan of 60s fashion (more on music for me) but I have a fondness for that period as my mum always recalls it with fondness–she was a young girl in the early 60s and a teenager in the late 60s. Ads then also used words, whereas today, we get away with just images. Got hold of Vogue Aug 2013 and haven't reached this part yet. The hair's so retro! Had a haircut like this in the 80s. Have to flick through my Vogue now 🙂
    Have a lovely day Madison! x

    Reply
  • MISPAPELICOS says:

    Great inspiration, madison.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

    Reply
  • Maiken M says:

    gosh I loved that post A LOT! those vintage ads are so cool and full of inspiration (especially the first two). and when it comes to vintage things I like pretty much everything about them 🙂 oh and the second photo in today's group! I have a very similar thrifted bag, only a tiny bit smaller. all in all it was a crazy inspirational post, Madison!

    Maiken,
    Maikeni blogi – part of me

    Reply
  • Sharon says:

    The 60s were such an amazing time for fashion! I loved seeing these old ads!

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart

    Reply
  • Rowena @ rolala loves says:

    Thanks for sharing the vintage ads! It&#39s great how we always circle back to certain styles. I love that mod always come back 🙂 That Vogue UK editorial is gorgeous and I love the Chanel look! Hope you&#39re having a lovely week so far Madison!

    Reply
  • Mira Devils says:

    The vintage advertisements look pretty cute. Esp. the Chanel ad.
    The Uk Vogue editorial is marvelous. They always have the best ones. I wish our outifts posts were that stunning.

    xx

    glamdevils

    Reply
  • Erika Sorocco says:

    I LOVE that Chanel ad! 🙂

    Reply
  • Ms Madge says:

    Vintage ads seem to be family orientated or family-values orientated. Not a massive fan of 60s fashion (more on music for me) but I have a fondness for that period as my mum always recalls it with fondness–she was a young girl in the early 60s and a teenager in the late 60s. Ads then also used words, whereas today, we get away with just images. Got hold of Vogue Aug 2013 and haven&#39t reached this part yet. The hair&#39s so retro! Had a haircut like this in the 80s. Have to flick through my Vogue now 🙂
    Have a lovely day Madison! x

    Reply
  • MISPAPELICOS says:

    Great inspiration, madison.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

    Reply
  • Maiken M says:

    gosh I loved that post A LOT! those vintage ads are so cool and full of inspiration (especially the first two). and when it comes to vintage things I like pretty much everything about them 🙂 oh and the second photo in today&#39s group! I have a very similar thrifted bag, only a tiny bit smaller. all in all it was a crazy inspirational post, Madison!

    Maiken,
    Maikeni blogi – part of me

    Reply
  • MOSAMUSE says:

    love the vintage photos!
    xo
    MOSAMUSE

    http://www.MOSAMUSE.com

    Reply
  • chicncheapliving says:

    The mod styling of the the 60s is timeless! I do like our modern take on makeup though!

    xoxo,

    Chic 'n Cheap Living

    Reply
  • Corinne says:

    I love seeing old magazines/ads! Just shows how cyclical fashion is 🙂

    life-etcblog.blogspot.com.au

    Reply
  • Sherin says:

    I love the 60's. Definitely one of my favourite fashion eras.

    Reply
  • Viktoriya Sener says:

    I love such retro photos, they are really inspiring!
    Have a nice day, dear Madison!

    Reply
  • Denise says:

    I love vintage ads – and yes, it's like recycling! I once heard that every 20 years fashion will be recycled. It means, now we would wear what was worn in the 90's. It makes some sense! I liked the new Vogue as well! denisesplanet.com

    Reply
  • Amy says:

    The funny thing is, I actually remember some of these models from the 1960s–they were kinda like my inspiration

    Reply
  • Viktoriya Sener says:

    I love such retro photos, they are really inspiring!
    Have a nice day, dear Madison!

    Reply
  • Always Maylee says:

    I love the bobby brooks one! What's old is always new again, right? 🙂

    xo, Yi-chia
    Always Maylee

    Reply
  • MirrorofFashion says:

    Very inspiring selection!

    Reply
  • Ashley White says:

    I love looking at retro ads- reminds me of where we've been! But you're right- trends do circle back and what's old becomes new again. 🙂

    -Ashley
    http://lestylorouge.com

    Reply
  • Couture Carrie says:

    Amazing fashion flashbacks and juxtaposition with the contemporary editorial!

    xoxox,
    CC

    Reply
  • Jenmarie says:

    It's fun finding these old magazine clippings! I love the make-up on the three women in the second photo, look at those lashes!

    Reply
  • Denise says:

    I love vintage ads – and yes, it&#39s like recycling! I once heard that every 20 years fashion will be recycled. It means, now we would wear what was worn in the 90&#39s. It makes some sense! I liked the new Vogue as well! denisesplanet.com

    Reply
  • sartorialsidelines says:

    Those ads are fun – the Chanel one is interesting.

    Courtney ~ http://sartorialsidelines.com

    Reply
  • Kim A. says:

    Madison, this was great! I see a lot of similarities to today (pattern mixing, leather) and differences (hair cuts, only being a "mom" instead of being a mom and having a career). It's fun looking back and seeing how we've moved forward. Wishing you a great day!

    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

    Reply
  • Shybiker says:

    My family had a VW camper! We travelled in it when I was growing up with my parents and brother. The four of us slept in its cramped quarters.
    I love nostalgia. Great pictures here.

    Reply
  • Sam @ Frills & Thrills says:

    Hi dear, thanks for sharing these, i have never seen any of them before. Its so interesting to see how advertising has evolved. I think the unassuming advert ideas from the past are a nice contrast to the uber commercialism of today

    Reply
  • Lilli says:

    Hi Madison! You vintage finds are amazing! Love the vogue cover and the chanel campaign the most! The editorial from the current Vogue Uk is really beautiful, havent seen it yet! Kisses dear, have a good day! xo

    Reply
  • Emmy MW says:

    Oooo…that is a great editorial for sure. And I honestly think many ads from the yesteryears can actually stand up to today's standards, like that Volkswagen one. I think there are certain elements to advertising that are timeless:)
    Great post, Madison. Have a fab Tuesday:)

    Reply
  • Daniella says:

    What a wonderful post my dear! I love your inspiration, the old advertisement pictures are so interesting to look at and I love that even today we can consistently see some form of 60s (amongst other eras) influence in clothes and other things. 🙂

    Take care,
    Daniella xox

    Reply
  • Ashley White says:

    I love looking at retro ads- reminds me of where we&#39ve been! But you&#39re right- trends do circle back and what&#39s old becomes new again. 🙂

    -Ashley
    http://lestylorouge.com

    Reply
  • Couture Carrie says:

    Amazing fashion flashbacks and juxtaposition with the contemporary editorial!

    xoxox,
    CC

    Reply
  • Jenmarie says:

    It&#39s fun finding these old magazine clippings! I love the make-up on the three women in the second photo, look at those lashes!

    Reply
  • AlexisGrace says:

    I think the posing feels very different. I am going to use an acting reference to explain: almost feels pre-Stanislavski vs post. Then there was a lot of indicating, whereas the contemporary feels more natural……

    Reply
  • sartorialsidelines says:

    Those ads are fun – the Chanel one is interesting.

    Courtney ~ http://sartorialsidelines.com

    Reply
  • KizzyDoll says:

    I love it. I agree with Kim, it is more or less recycling….styles come back round again and again, just different fabrics used, colours or otherwise. I think they all look marvellous :)) Have a great day doll xx

    Reply
  • Kim A. says:

    Madison, this was great! I see a lot of similarities to today (pattern mixing, leather) and differences (hair cuts, only being a "mom" instead of being a mom and having a career). It&#39s fun looking back and seeing how we&#39ve moved forward. Wishing you a great day!

    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

    Reply
  • Shybiker says:

    My family had a VW camper! We travelled in it when I was growing up with my parents and brother. The four of us slept in its cramped quarters.
    I love nostalgia. Great pictures here.

    Reply
  • Sam @ Frills & Thrills says:

    Hi dear, thanks for sharing these, i have never seen any of them before. Its so interesting to see how advertising has evolved. I think the unassuming advert ideas from the past are a nice contrast to the uber commercialism of today

    Reply
  • kim bim says:

    I call modern trends vintage recycling lol, most of the time i visit vintage shops i come across unique cuts and styles. There is nothing new in the new fashion industry, they all copy cats. All these pictures are fab and unique.

    Reply
  • Lilli says:

    Hi Madison! You vintage finds are amazing! Love the vogue cover and the chanel campaign the most! The editorial from the current Vogue Uk is really beautiful, havent seen it yet! Kisses dear, have a good day! xo

    Reply
  • Emmy MW says:

    Oooo…that is a great editorial for sure. And I honestly think many ads from the yesteryears can actually stand up to today&#39s standards, like that Volkswagen one. I think there are certain elements to advertising that are timeless:)
    Great post, Madison. Have a fab Tuesday:)

    Reply
  • Daniella says:

    What a wonderful post my dear! I love your inspiration, the old advertisement pictures are so interesting to look at and I love that even today we can consistently see some form of 60s (amongst other eras) influence in clothes and other things. 🙂

    Take care,
    Daniella xox

    Reply
  • Vix Brearley says:

    We've got that VW ad framed and hanging in Jon's shed! x

    Reply
  • Claire says:

    that models hair totally reminds me of 80s Princess Diana! but it's amazing how style comes back all the time!

    http://spinning-threads.blogspot.com

    Reply
  • AlexisGrace says:

    I think the posing feels very different. I am going to use an acting reference to explain: almost feels pre-Stanislavski vs post. Then there was a lot of indicating, whereas the contemporary feels more natural……

    Reply
  • KizzyDoll says:

    I love it. I agree with Kim, it is more or less recycling….styles come back round again and again, just different fabrics used, colours or otherwise. I think they all look marvellous :)) Have a great day doll xx

    Reply
  • kim bim says:

    I call modern trends vintage recycling lol, most of the time i visit vintage shops i come across unique cuts and styles. There is nothing new in the new fashion industry, they all copy cats. All these pictures are fab and unique.

    Reply
  • Vix Brearley says:

    We&#39ve got that VW ad framed and hanging in Jon&#39s shed! x

    Reply
  • Claire says:

    that models hair totally reminds me of 80s Princess Diana! but it&#39s amazing how style comes back all the time!

    http://spinning-threads.blogspot.com

    Reply

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