Step back into the fabulous world of the 1950s Popular culture was stimulated as products were mass produced and the middle class emerged. After World War II, America prospered and took the lead in popular culture as people rebuilt their lives by looking forward. Designs of whimsy and abstract patterns jump along the pages in bright and exhilarating colors. From furniture and textiles to Hawaiian shirts, poodle skirts, vinyl handbags, gabardine jackets, rayon dresses and more, nearly every aspect of modern living in the 1950s is shown in full color. Over 770 color photographs display this...

Imagine taking a pink plastic handbag to go shopping The handbags that originated in the 1950s are recurring as popular collectibles today. Over 300 handbags in this newly revised 2nd edition are displayed in color photographs to reveal the beauty of these tiny sculptures of art. The most productive manufacturers of plastic handbags are featured in separate sections, including Llewellyn, Rialto, Myles Originals, Tyrolean, Wilardy, and more. These unusual gems of wearable art are bringing large sums in today's collector's markets. Made with innovative plastics, they are now admired for their...