Vintage Monday :: The Fine Fashions of Retro Disneyland

Disney, Vintage Photos, ,

My bio on Flickr has always said, “My name is Alexandra. Some people call me Alix. I’m addicted to thrifting. I love Disneyland and Christmas.” And really, I can’t think of two things that make me feel more nostalgic and happy than Christmas and Disneyland. I’m not a Disneyana lover—I don’t collect little pins or modern Mickey paraphernalia. But old school Disneyland? I die. It makes me so happy. Much like vintage airline stuff (which also gets me doing a happy dance), it was more of a special occasion back in the day. Less about flip flops and tank tops and more about dressing up and enjoying the magic of The Happiest Place on Earth. So when my friend Andrea‘s hubby Ward called my attention to Kevin Kidney’s blog, well, I just about died. You must swing and see what he has going. His friend Tim Haak discovered “a treasure trove of twelve original color negatives showcasing females in fabulous clothes against the fairy-tale backdrop of Disneyland.”  He’s not sure the history behind them, but he said they were taken for the April 9, 1961 issue of Midwest Magazine, a supplemental newspaper insert in the Chicago Sun-Times. High fashion AND vintage Disney?? I’m in heaven! Kevin is my new hero…..please visit his blog to see these photos in their full size glory, but for now enjoy this little peek:

Mad Hatter ain’t got nothin’ on that sassy dame. And look who we have here….casually chillin’ by the pirate ship. “Loving yer haaaarrrrrrrrrrr, lady!”

 

Let’s look closer….that HAT! Divine!!!

This one kills me….all lounging against the Pinocchio whale.

That tiny waist…..wowza! And the little girl in the background almost steals the show.

And finally, The Matterhorn Maddness:

Oh yes. Closer please:

I should have called this one the “Whatsa Matterhorn?” I love Mickey in his sassy little boots and hotpants!!! And those rosey cheeks? Makes me think Mickey’s been hitting the mai tai’s over in the Enchanted Tiki Room!!

Thank you so much Kevin for sharing this amazing AMAZING find with us! Like I said, please visit his blog….it is so full of fabulous stuff, including Kevin’s fantastic art work. I feel a special Vintage Disney Post in the works….stay tuned!

11 thoughts on “Vintage Monday :: The Fine Fashions of Retro Disneyland”

  1. i am the same way about disney. i live on the other side of the country, so my happy place is disney world which is slightly less old school charming (i’ve been to disneyland once, it was breathtaking) but still, it has peter pan and it’s a small world and a lady dressed up like mary poppins and fireworks and my childhood memories. these photos are wonderful. they make me smile all over.

  3. I know exactly what you mean…. I am not a Disney fan. I am a vintage Disneyland fan. so few people understand that… & as a result I end up the recipient of some ill fitted gifts.
    Thanks a ton for this post & for pointing me to Kevin’s blog. Now I will go spend hours over there!

  6. this is the kind of stuff that has made disneyland one of my ultimate dream must see places. though i know i’ll be disappointed when i see people in sneakers, caps and tshirts. 🙁

  8. I gotta admit, this was a jaw dropper for me. I have such great memories of going to Disneyland as a child since we lived in L.A. and my Dad would get free press passes a lot. It truly was magical. And this post brought a bit of that magic back for me!

    Yay, Alix! Thanks for finding this gem!

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