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Fabulous Fashion Designs by Jacques Heim in the 1950s

Jacques Heim was a French fashion designer known for his innovative and elegant designs in the 1950s. He played a significant role in shaping post-war fashion, introducing styles that balanced sophistication and modernity.

Jacques Heim took over his family’s fur business in the 1930s and expanded into haute couture. By the 1950s, he was a well-established name in fashion. Heim was known for his pioneering spirit, and one of his most famous contributions was the bikini. In 1946, he introduced a two-piece swimsuit called the “Atome,” which was one of the first bikinis, predating Louis Réard’s more famous design by just a few weeks. This innovation showed Heim’s willingness to push boundaries in fashion.

The New Look

In the 1950s, Jacques Heim embraced the “New Look” popularized by Christian Dior. This style featured cinched waists, full skirts, and an overall feminine silhouette. Heim’s designs often included these elements, but he added his unique touch. His dresses were known for their elegant lines, luxurious fabrics, and attention to detail. He often used rich materials like silk and satin, enhancing the elegance of his creations..

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Heim’s daywear collections were practical yet stylish. He designed tailored suits and dresses that were perfect for the modern woman of the 1950s. These pieces were functional for daytime activities while maintaining a chic and polished appearance. His use of clean lines and sophisticated cuts made his daywear a staple for fashionable women.

For eveningwear, Jacques Heim was renowned for his glamorous gowns. These dresses often featured intricate beadwork, lace, and embroidery. His evening gowns were designed to make a statement at social events, showcasing the wearer’s elegance and style. Heim’s eveningwear was a favorite among celebrities and socialites, making appearances at high-profile events and red carpets.

Impact on Swimwear

Beyond the bikini, Heim made significant contributions to swimwear fashion in the 1950s. His designs were both fashionable and functional, catering to the growing interest in beach vacations and leisure activities. Heim’s swimwear collections featured bold prints, innovative cuts, and high-quality materials, setting trends in the industry.

Collaborations and Influence

Jacques Heim collaborated with various artists and designers, enhancing his collections with unique artistic touches. His ability to blend art with fashion made his designs stand out. He worked with renowned artists like Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, incorporating their artwork into his fabric designs.

#1 Teresita Montez in evening gown by Jacques Heim, photo by Willy Maywald, 1950

#2 Lucky in short dress of great white lace roses on black tulle, the strapless bodice is criss-crossed with black velvet, by Jacques Heim, photo by Louise Dahl-Wolfe, Harper’s Bazaar, November 1951

#3 Teresita Montez in yellow and black print dinner dress with removable bolero by Jacques Heim, photo by Seeberger Bros., 1951

#4 Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn is wearing green jersey top tucked into slim velvet pants cinched by purple fascia belt all by Jacques Heim, photo by husband Irving Penn, Vogue, April 1952

#5 Teresita Montez in gray organza coat with wide sleeves worn over beautiful evening gown of gray and yellow tulle appliqued with topaz cabochons by Jacques Heim, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1952

#6 Bettina Graziani in evening gown of white ruffled tulle edged in black by Jacques Heim, photo by Herbert Tobias, 1953

#7 Joan Whelan in cotton print dress with full skirt by Jacques Heim, photo by Herbert Tobias, 1953

#8 Joan Whelan in taffeta print dress with off-shoulder draped neckline by Jacques Heim, photo by Herbert Tobias, 1953

#9 Suzy Parker in cocktail dress by Jacques Heim, photo by Georges Dambier, 1953

#10 Anne Gunning in pale blue satin, folded stiffly into low curves that slides into band sleeves by Jacques Heim, photo by Richard Avedon, Harper’s Bazaar, October 1954

#11 Marie-Hélène Arnaud in lovely pleated chiffon dress adorned with mink straps by Jacques Heim, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1954

#12 Model in charming silk print dress by Jacques Heim, photo by Guy Arsac, 1954

#13 Susanne Erichsen is wearing a Chantilly lace dress of brown over pale sand by Jacques Heim, photo by Georges Saad, 1954

#14 Suzy Parker in polka-dot sheath with matching coat by Jacques Heim, Paris Vogue, February 1954

#15 Ann Farrar in lovely floral print afternoon dress by Jacques Heim, photo by Georges Saad, 1955

#16 Anne Gunning in gala ball gown of silk, satin and Orlon blend by Jacques Heim, 1955

#17 Ghislaine Arsac in Royal Pastel EMBA mink coat worn over a gold lamé dress, both by Jacques Heim, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1955

#18 Jacky Mazel is wearing a velvet tunic banded in satin over slim velvet skirt with velvet toque by Jacques Heim, jewel pin by Roger Scèmama, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1955

#19 Lena Madsen in black faille cocktail dress by Jacques Heim, 1955

#20 Model in beautiful pale rose lace gown by Jacques Heim, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1955

#21 Model in charming summer dress, red suspenders tie in the striped bodice to the full skirt by Jacques Heim, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1955

#22 Jacky Mazel in Autumn Haze EMBA mink coat by Jacques Heim, hat by Svend, photo by Virginia Thoren, 1956

#23 Model in pewter gray tweed dress molded to the waist, has half belts under the bosom, features a starched collar and taffeta tie, the white hat balances a pom-pom, by Jacques Heim, photo by Richard Dormer, Harper’s Bazaar UK, April 1956

#24 Model in sumptious gold brocade cocktail dress worn with silk shantung cape-stole by Jacques Heim, jewelry by Roger Scémama, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1956

#25 Betsy Pickering in romantic full evening dress of emerald-green lace has bodice that’s high in front and low in back tied with wide satin ribbon by Jacques Heim, photo by Roger Prigent, Vogue, November 15, 1957

#26 Jacky Mazel in beautiful Marescot lace evening dress by Jacques Heim, photo by Guy Arsac, 1957

#27 Simone d’Aillencourt is wearing a beautiful blue, silk faille embroidered evening dress featuring a very low back by Jacques Heim, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1957

#28 Gunila in purple wool dress and jacket, dress cinched with knotted suede belt, by Jacques Heim, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1958

#29 Model in lovely dress of spotted net topped with black lace and held at the back in black velvet bow, by Jacques Heim, photo by Richard Dormer, Harper’s Bazaar UK, April 1958

#30 Model in tobacco tweed dress with short jacket by Jacques Heim, photo by Georges Saad, 1958

#31 Model in wool bouclé cocktail dress tied in back with satin belt by Jacques Heim, worn with net turban by Svend-Heim, photo by Georges Saad, 1958

#32 Rose Marie in red silk moiré party dress by Jacques Heim, jewelry by Vendome, photo by Philippe Pottier 1958

#33 Simone d’Aillencourt in red bustier worn with white cotton skirt printed in red, blue and green, by Jacques Heim, photo by Philippe Pottier in Vence, France, 1958

#34 Jacky Mazel in at-home ensemble by Jacques Heim, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1959

#35 Jacky Mazel in pretty dress by Jacques Heim, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1959

#36 Maggie Brown in duchesse satin cocktail dress by Jacques Heim, photo by Sabine Weiss, 1959

#37 Model in gray wool dinner dress bound in pink kidskin by Jacques Heim Jeune Filles, hat by John Frederics, photo by Francesco Scavullo, Harper’s Bazaar, July 1959

#38 Model in long hooded tunic of knitted silk, worn with contrasting wide red leather belt, by Jacques Heim, shoes by Charles Jourdan, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1959

#39 Model in wool dress with bell skirt tied with leather belt in front by Jacques Heim, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1959

#40 Rose Marie in wool dress with checked short faux bolero, by Jacques Heim, hat by Heim/Svend, croc handbag by Ferest, photo by Philippe Pottier, 1959

Written by Nova Roberts

Nova Roberts is a classic Hollywood fanatic and vintage fashion enthusiast.With a love for vintage actresses and actors and a passion for all things retro, Nova is always on the lookout for the next big find. Just don't be surprised if you catch her dancing down the street in a pair of vintage heels and a full-skirted dress, because for Nova, every day is a chance to channel her inner Audrey Hepburn.

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