I have immersed myself in the Mad Men marathon. For those of
you who have never watched the show, it covers the lives of
advertising executives, their secretaries, and their families during
the early 1960's and culminating in the 1970's. It was the era of
social, racial and sexual change. Women were pushing their way
through the glass ceiling. Yet at the same time it was an era of
fantasy. The age of Camelot.
The Kennedy's were in the White House. Jack and Jackie were
the beautiful young couple who seemed to be cast by some
Hollywood producers. Jackie redecorated the White House by
restoring historic furnishings. Americans were treated to a tour
of those changes and many American women strived to bring
that same sense of elegance into their own homes.
Jackie's fashion style was copied. Her boxy jackets and pill box hats were
finding their way into the closets of American women. This jacket was from
my Mom's favorite suit. She kept it all these years. She had a little leopard
pillbox hat to match. I have both now.
Three quarter length sleeves were so popular. My Mom's full length
mink had them. She told me not long before she died that she regretted
the sleeve length on her coat. Women wore furs back then. It was a
different time. I have kept the coat, but doubt I will ever wear it
as I don't feel good about wearing real fur.
As I am watching this Mad Men marathon I realize how much
my parent's era was that era of Camelot. Betty Draper looks
like old photos of my Mom. Blonde, pretty, perfect hair and nails.
Always perfectly dressed. The only difference is my Mom
didn't smoke.
It was an era when image was everything and the Mad Men
series brought all of that era to life through the world of
advertising. Advertising ~ the profession of smoke and
mirrors. Hidden truths that would not be buried much
longer and would shatter the charade as the decade of
the 60's evolved. For a few days until the series finale on
Sunday, I will be enjoying the images of that bygone era.
The clothes, the design, the scenes from offices and
New York City restaurants. An era reminiscent of my
own parents. So stylish and chic.
In the words of Alan Jay Lerner from the musical
Camelot:
In short, there's simply not
A more congenial spot
For happy -ever-aftering than here
In Camelot
If you would like to watch Jacqueline Kennedy's
White House Tour click onto this link.
Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
