Wednesday, July 10, 2013

American Girl In Italy

So this week I thought it would be great to talk about vintage fashion. What better way to do that then to share one of my favorite vintage candid photos Ruth Orkin's "American Girl In Italy"?  I have loved this photo for years so much in fact that it adorned the walls of my college dorm room until the day I graduated. What has drawn me to this photo, more than the subject mater is the girl's skirt and her sandals, they are both so beautiful. And even though this photo was taken in 1951 I have always felt that the fashion particularly her shoes were surprisingly modern.
See what I mean, great, shoes and awesome dress.also my favorite of the men in this photo is the older man, to lose to the camera. He is even more intesting to me in the colorized version of the photo.

About 2 years ago I saw this article about Ninalee Craig, the subject of this photo, and I became even more in love with the picture. Recently I found  these other photos and one of Ruth Orkin's  contact sheets. There is even a colorized version of the photo. And in the article about Ninalee Craig I think she is wearing the same scarf she was in the photo. How cool is that?!?!
The contact sheet
 The colorized version of the photo. I think that the color adds a playful feel to the image.
 This one is great of her asking for directions. Note the man in the white shirt on his bike turning to look at her. It makes me smile
 Great shot of  Ninalee in the market, and you can see her shoes better, they are really fun. Also check out her belt , if you haven't already. It is great that belts are in style right now it makes finding items for the vintage look so much easier.
 Thiis is not my favorite shot in the bunch but you can really get a feel for her shoes. Even though it was 1951, they would blend right in with today's styles.
 You've gotta love this one she looks like she is trying so hard to find something, while the lady in the seat in front of her is worried about her hair.
 Brave girl (at least I think so) crossing traffic like that.
 This one I really enjoy,  firstly for the placement of her scarf over her head. But also take a look around here she is with at least 3 other people that I can see and she is the only one who is seeing the beauty of this sculpture. Sometimes it takes a fresh set of eyes to show you the beauty all around you.
 I think this could be my favorite, even more so than the original photo. She just looks so happy reading what I can only assume is a letter. It makes me think of when fly boy was in Japan how happy I would get when I got his letters. This picture just makes me feel happy.
 I am not sure why she is wearing a helmet and goggles, but so is the man she is driving with. Perhaps it is something that was just done back then, I honestly don't know.
This photo has a dreamy like quality to it that is very nice, it reminds me of some of the pictures of Amelia Earhart. And please take a look at her necklace it is so pretty I wish I knew what it looked like in color.
This one is just fun and playful. Again you can't help but smile a little when you see it. And wow look at those skirts. 



I hope this has given you some background on an absolutely amazing photo, that many of us know.  Once you see the other photos taken that day it really gives you a feel for a casual day as an American tourist visiting Italy in the early 1950s.

Later this week I will be sharing pictures of the vintage looks I have worn this week, and showing you how very little vintage I wear.

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