Dive into the 1950s Fashion World with Richard Dormer’s Fashion Photography

Richard Dormer, a prominent British fashion photographer active from the 1940s until 2000, left an indelible mark on the world of fashion photography. During the early 1950s, a period marked by post-war rejuvenation and evolving fashion sensibilities, Dormer captured the essence of the era through his lens, working for esteemed publications like Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, and Elegance Magazine.

A New Vision in Fashion Photography

In the early 1950s, Dormer’s photography stood out for its elegance and a sense of inspired beauty. This period was crucial for fashion photography, as it transitioned from the rigid and staged compositions of the earlier decades to a more fluid and natural style. Dormer was at the forefront of this transformation, bringing a unique blend of sophistication and realism to his photographs.

Iconic Models and Timeless Portraits

Dormer had the opportunity to work with some of the most famous models of the time, including Anne Gunning, Suzy Smith, Barbara Goalen, and notably Jean Shrimpton. His ability to capture the distinct personalities and grace of these models set his work apart. The models weren’t just mannequins to display the latest fashion; under Dormer’s lens, they became the embodiment of the era’s aesthetic and elegance.

The Egyptian Series: A Blend of Culture and Fashion

One of Dormer’s most notable works from this period includes his stunning photoshoot in Egypt. These photographs are a testament to his skill in blending cultural elements with contemporary fashion, creating images that are both timeless and evocative. The backdrop of Egypt’s ancient landscapes provided a striking contrast to the modern fashion elements, highlighting Dormer’s innovative approach to location and setting in fashion photography.

Capturing the Spirit of the 1950s

Through his work in the early 1950s, Dormer captured more than just the fashion of the era; he encapsulated its spirit. His photographs reflect a world emerging from the shadows of war, eager to embrace beauty, elegance, and a new sense of freedom. The classic beauties he photographed were not

#1 Barbara Goalen in Neil Roger’s white organdie rose dress, Harper’s Bazaar UK, September 1950.

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#2 Barbara Goalen with 1810 diamond and ruby hairpiece, ostrich fan, 1950.

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#3 Model in Frederick Starke’s gold satin evening dress and Cartier jewelry, Harper’s Bazaar UK, October 1950.

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#4 Model in Hardy Amies’ Lyons velvet gown at Tate Gallery, Harper’s Bazaar UK, November 1950.

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#5 Model in R.M.Hats’ lime straw hat and Matita’s gray wool dress, Harper’s Bazaar UK, February 1950.

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#6 Pat O’Reilly and Barbara Goalen in Molyneux and Hardy Amies dresses, Harper’s Bazaar UK, May 1950.

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#7 Shelagh Wilson in Jacqmar barathea suit and Molho mink stole, Harper’s Bazaar UK, October 1950.

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#8 Anne Gunning in Susan Small’s grosgrain evening coat, Harper’s Bazaar UK, August 1951.

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#9 Anne Gunning in Munro’s reversible coat and Leathercraft accessories, Harper’s Bazaar UK, August 1951.

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#10 Anne Gunning in Gilbert Orcel’s Mandarin hat, Harper’s Bazaar UK, April 1951.

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#11 Barbara Goalen in Jacqmar stole and Adrian Mann jewelry, Harper’s Bazaar UK, December 1951.

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#12 Barbara Goalen in Lachasse coat and Rose Vernier beret, Harper’s Bazaar UK, November 1951.

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#13 Barbara Goalen in Yardley cosmetics and Liberty sari, Harper’s Bazaar UK, February 1951.

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#14 June Duncan in Dorville wool dress and Otto Lucas hat, Harper’s Bazaar UK, November 1951.

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#15 Model in Debenham & Freebody’s velvet bed jacket, Harper’s Bazaar UK, February 1951.

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#16 Model in Victor Stiebel’s embroidered organdie dance dress, Harper’s Bazaar UK, April 1951.

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#17 Model in Susan Small’s muslin summer dress, Harper’s Bazaar UK, June 1951.

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#18 Model in R.M.Hats’ blue shantung cartwheel hat, Harper’s Bazaar UK, July 1951.

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#19 Pat O’Reilly in Hardy Amies’ wool ottoman suit and Deanfield Furs mink stole, Harper’s Bazaar UK, April 1951.

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#20 Shelagh Wilson in Victor Stiebel’s flame tulle evening dress, Harper’s Bazaar UK, 1951.

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#21 Shelagh Wilson in R.M.Hats’ red velour hat, Harper’s Bazaar UK, September 1951.

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#22 Anne Gunning and others in evening gowns by Paterson, Hartnell, and Morton, 1952.

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#23 Anne Gunning in Hardy Amies’ silk organza dress, Harper’s Bazaar UK, April 1952.

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#24 Barbara Goalen in Bradleys’ amethyst velvet cape at Stonehenge, Harper’s Bazaar UK, July 1952.

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#25 Barbara Goalen with Raymond hair styling, earrings and purse, Harper’s Bazaar UK, April 1952.

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#26 Bettina Graziani in Susan Small’s transformable dress, June 1952.

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#27 Bettina Graziani in Health & Beauty editorial, Harper’s Bazaar UK, April 1952.

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#28 Fiona Campbell-Walter in Lanvin-Castillo’s red silk-crêpe dress, Paris Vogue, October 1952.

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#29 June Duncan in Marcus Spring suit and Leathercraft accessories, Harper’s Bazaar UK, February 1952.

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#30 Pat O’Reilly in Norman Hartnell’s camel-wool coat, Harper’s Bazaar UK, September 1952.

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#31 Shelagh Wilson in Horrockses’ corduroy shorts at Agrigento, Sicily, Harper’s Bazaar UK, January 1952.

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#32 Shelagh Wilson in Roecliff & Chapman’s Grecian dress, Harper’s Bazaar UK, January 1952.

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#33 Shelagh Wilson in Horrockses’ terry-cloth swimsuit, Harper’s Bazaar UK, June 1952.

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#34 Susan Abraham in Arthur Poliakoff’s mole evening wrap, Harper’s Bazaar UK, September 1952.

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#35 Susan Hook in Susan Small’s cocktail coat-dress, Harper’s Bazaar UK, August 1952.

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