Saks Ad - 1970

Here's something I just don't get.  This is a full page ad placed by Saks Fifth Avenue in a 1970 issue of Vogue magazine.  You and I both know how wild and colorful the prints used in clothing were at this time. The ad copy even states, "Liberated spirit. Coloring around-and-around, deep-beaded and braided on pure silk surah."

Why, then, did Saks chose to print this ad in black and white instead of full color?  Yes, the advertising cost would have been higher, but this ad just doesn't convey the dress as it should.  Perhaps 1970 was a time of belt-tightening and cutting costs. I find this a lot in the pages of most fashion magazines from this time period.  Clothing that should be shown in all its colorful glory is disappointingly printed in black and white.  OK, rant over.

I love the way the elaborate beading and braid at the neckline complements the wild print.  There is no designer mentioned, so this is likely by Saks' custom design department. Sophie Gimbel had just retired the year before, so I don't know who designed this beauty. I can tell you that the dress was $130 in 1970 (about $787 in today's dollar) and was worth every penny.

Photo from a Saks ad appearing in Vogue 1970.

Shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue, 1960

In photos from the late Fall of 1960, we can see what a different experience shopping was compared to the crammed sales floors of today.  Look!  A place to sit!  Individual service from one of many sales assistants!  Place your order and have it delivered to your home!

Evening gowns galore! 

A gentleman shops for a hat for a lady friend.  Note how the hats are stored in deep drawers.

Space to move with large mirrors and generous lighting while trying on clothes.

And if you had the money, you could shop in the custom salon with even more individualized service.

Finally, in the custom couture salon, you could purchase an exclusive design from Sophie Gimbel (she's on the right.)

Those were the days!

All photos by Peter Stackpole for Life Magazine, 1960.

Window Shopping, 1948

I love this image from 1948.  A woman wearing a dark suit with pearls and white gloves contemplates the latest fashions for spring in the window at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York.  What will you be shopping for this spring?