We all know that hats and gloves were the rage of the 40’s and 50’s. I mean, you weren’t anyone and definitely not stylish with out a cap of some kind grazing over your forehead.

How about a book on your head? hey, it’s a hat and it may help your posture as well.

Classic models in, what else, vintage hats

The Balenciaga line has really changedin the last 60 years. From the very classical to extremely futuristic in the clothing designs seen on the runways, however the handbags have kept a bit of the original styling, well, maybe. The balenciaga shoes, ahh, those are always very interesting if not always wearable. I love some of the Balenciaga shoes, even though I may be too scared to try to walk in many of them. Either way, Balenciaga always amazes and pushes into the areas of fashion that many other designers will not roam.

Here are a few of the items from the Balenciaga collection of shoes and handbags. Very colorful

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Balenciaga is a Design house that has made it through half a century. The garments designed by Balenciaga in the 1950’s are absolutely exquisite and really show off the fine craftsmanship and complete attention to the tiniest of detail. The following black and white photos are all from the 1950’s or early 60’s and reflect the high waisted, very finished look that was all about elegance, grace and glamor. Unlike the free-er 60’s fashion that followed, the models of the 50’s had their hair up and back in exquisite hats to finish off a very polished and refined look. I love this look, especially the gloves that women wore as the final touch.

Vintage Balenciaga Gown

You can’t start off a “do you remember” fashion post without bringing in the Swan. Yep, at the top of the unforgettable list is Bjork wearing “dead swan”. These are my picks, I am sure I missed a few awesome dresses but these are definately the ones I will always remember… for the good or the bad.

Cher at the Oscars in her very see through dress that made the headlines and left little to anyones imagination.

The Bob Mackie dress worn by Cher, it will never be forgotten

Halle Berry in 2004 left viewers speechless in this gown

Grace Kelly in Blue

Who can ever forget J-Lo and that plunging neckline in green… Not I.

Liz Taylor and Richard Burton in 1970. Elizabeth Taylor is gorgeous and glamorous as always in a beautifull blue gown.

Salma Hayek in feathers… who can ever forget that. But hey, if anyone can pull it off, it’s her. She looks stunning and took a risk on the gown that is now unforgettable. Also, she gets some extra points for cleaning up and dusting the rug as she walked along.

Gwenyth Paltrow in an adorable gown that makes her look totally HOT!

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Charlize Theron taking a fashion risk in this kinda odd design that she pulled off brilliantyly, as always.

Sarah Jessica, not so lucky. I hope she fired her stylist that talked her into that horrific fashion mess… that be some sick shit there.

Pictures from the Spring 2009 Balenciaga show. As always, Balenciaga breaks away from fashion norm and into their own style. This collection leaps you into the future with shiny, stretchy fabrics of gray, black and metallics.

Actually, the 2009 collection is not too far off of the 2008 collection which also saw a very futuristic look and tons of shiny fabrics. This is from the 2008 Balenciaga runway show.

I gotta say, I wonder who will be the first to go out on a limb and wear this not to the Star Trek convention, but rather, to a red carpet affair. I doubt anyone has the guts, but it would be way too cool if a celebrity got up the nerve to do so… a bottle of Jack with a Budweiser chaser may help to get them in the spirit.