Colour-blocking is thought of as the exploration of taking colors that are opposites on the color wheel and pairing them together to make interesting and complementary color combinations. It is commonly associated in fashion as a trend that originated from the artwork of Dutch painter, Piet Mondrian (Source).

In the 1960s, Yves Saint Laurent was inspired by Mondrian’s work and created the iconic dress seen below. Colour-blocking was also the early introduction of Mod Style, a 60’s trend known for bold, solid colored separates that were composed of blocks in different hues (Source).

As the sack dress evolved in the 1960s into a modified form, the shift, Saint Laurent realized that the dress's planarity was an ideal field for color blocks. Knowing the flat planes of the 1960s canvases acheived by contemporary artists in the lineage of Mondrian, Saint Laurent made the historical case for the artistic sensibility of his time. Y

Source: The Met

Now in the case of 1940’s & 1950’s fashion, colour-blocking was very understated and normally unintentional. This is why when you research the history of this style, you won’t really find the 40s and 50s being mentioned as a trendy time for this look (at least I could not find much info).

I did find an interesting piece of information about 1940s colour-blocking though….

It was an ideal way to use small pieces of fabric that would not be enough on their own for a garment, combined in ways that could make a whole garment and a fun fashion statement. Designers became very creative with color blocking, even in odd combinations (Source).

Uncut 1940s Hollywood 1759 One Shoulder Dress Pattern Vintage Sewing Grecian Style Dress Color Block Cocktail Dress

Source: Etsy

The Colour Block Fashions of the 1940s & 1950s

Vintage Fashion Examples

For today’s post I want to showcase the 1940s & 1950s and what colour-blocking looked like during this time period of fashion (with a late 1930s & early 1960s dresses thrown in for fun).

Let’s begin!

(Note: Updated March 2024)

Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy , eBay are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Note: If you click on an item and it is no longer available, don’t fret! The websites I have provided are updated daily with 1000’s of new & vintage items. Just do a quick search and see what you find.

VINTAGE SHOPPING: I have put together to make your shopping easier, an Etsy collection of vintage color block fashion’s, that is updated monthly. Happy Shopping!

This is the dress that started this post. It’s so pretty, I could cry! I just wished it fit, but it does not so it will live forever on my blog!

A stunning vintage 1930s puffed sleeved evening gown in black velveteen and mint faille colour block.

1930s Dress - Stunning Vintage 30s Puffed Sleeve Evening Gown in Black Velveteen and Mint Faille Color Block

Source: Etsy

Vintage 1940s Pink + Burgundy Wool Colour Block Dress (love the colour combo!).

1940s Fashion: Vintage 1940s Pink + Burgundy Wool Colour Block Dress

Source: Etsy

Vintage 1940’s pale blue & black colour block dress (avail as of March 2024 HERE).

I own a very similar dress to this one and was always confused on how it was supposed to look on, but now I know.

1940s Fashion: Vintage 1940's pale blue & black colour-block dress

Source: Etsy

1940s Gorgeous Pink and Black Rayon Color Block Dress. I love the colour combo!

1940s Fashion: 1940s Gorgeous Pink and Black Rayon Color Block Dress

Source: Etsy

Holy Jeepers! THIS DRESS!! Falling over from how stunning it is! A 1940s navy blue red white dash print rayon crepe, two tone colour block dress.

1940s Fashion: navy blue red white dash print rayon crepe two tone color block 3/4 sleeves double breast V neck center pleat A-line skirt dress

Source: Etsy

1940’s black and pink pinafore style colour block dress.

1940s Fashion: Vintage 1940's Black and Pink Rayon Dress/ 40's Colour Block Dress

Source: Etsy

Spring/Summer Modes Royale catalogue from 1947 featuring 1940s Color Block dresses.

Source: rhondabuss.com

Maybe I’m alone on this, but I LOVE COLOUR-BLOCKING DRESSES! Here is another beauty. A vintage 1940s wool gabardine black and dusty pink dress with unique pockets.

1940s Fashion: 1940s Color Block Frock | Vintage 40s Wool Gabardine Black and Dusty Pink Sassy Sensational Dress with Unique Pockets

Source: Etsy

You had me with this dress with those color-blocked ruffles at the back. STUNNING!

A vintage 1940s dark taupe & pumpkin spice orange colour block, rayon crepe cocktail dress w/ruffles.

1940s Fashion: 1940s Fabulous Femme Fatale Frock | Vintage 40s Dark Taupe & Pumpkin Spice Orange Color Block Rayon Crepe Cocktail Dress w/Ruffles

Source: Etsy

1940 Fashion Illustration featuring Color Block Evening Dresses & Casual Day Dresses.

Source: Pinterest

1940s junior rayon puff sleeve colour block dress. Super cute!

1940s Fashion: 1940s junior rayon puff sleeve color-block dress

Source: Etsy

Modes Royale Fall/Winter 1955/56 Fashions.

1950s Fashion Illustration: Modes Royale Fall/Winter 1955/56 Womens Fashions featuring a color block dress.

Source: rhondabuss.com

I’m a huge fan of Rose Marie Reid Swimsuits, as you would of read all about it a past post seen below. So it was very exciting that I found one of her designs for this colour block post, that is for sale! Someone so very lucky will get to own this beautiful 1950s vintage bathing suit and look so fab everytime they put it on. LUCKY DUCK!

Further Reading: 1940s & 1950s Canadian Swimsuit Designer-Rose Marie Reid

1950s Fashion: vintage 1950s designer swimsuit | 50s Rose Marie Reid colour block halter skirted swim bathing suit

Source: Etsy

Glorious 1950’s cotton sun dress. This dress features a large scale colour block of yellow, white and blue, self tie straps and clever pocket placement. This is so darn cute!

1950s Fashion: Glorious 1950’s cotton sun dress. This dress features a large scale colour block of yellow, white and blue, self tie straps and clever pocket placement. Fitted bodice with a scooped neckline, comfortable self tie spaghetti straps, nipped waist and a very full pleated skirt with two hidden pockets. Side metal zipper.

Source: Etsy

Gorgeous 1950s cotton colour block dress done in the gradient shades of pink!

1950s Fashion: Vintage 1950s Dress / 1950s Pink Cotton Colorblock Dress / Full Skirt

Source: Etsy

1950’s Fit n flare cotton dress in a sky blue and chocolate brown color block.

Source: Etsy

1950s red and blue colour block shirtwaist dress.

Further Reading: The Shirtwaist Dress of the 1940s and 1950s

1950s Fashion: 1950s red and blue color block shirtwaist dress

Source: Etsy

To end here is a 1960’s Carol Rodgers cotton dress featuring a yellow and white color block print. Also featured is how the dress looked like on the model in this 1963 ‘Lana Lobell’ catalog.

early 1960s Carol Rodgers cotton dress features a yellow and white color block print. Sleeveless. Button closure down front bodice with additional snap closure at front waist. Nipped waist and includes the original matching rope waist ties. Full pleated skirt.

Source: Etsy

Question time: Are you a fan of colour-blocking? Share your thoughts and what your favourite outfit was, in the comments section below.

Thanks for dropping by!

FURTHER READING: Vintage Fashions 1920s-1960s (Archived Blog Posts)

Liz

Carrie Munn….Fashion Designer & Socialite. Have you heard of her? I had not until 20 mins ago when I was browsing Etsy for 1950s vintage dresses and came upon one of her creations, a 50s tailored blouse and circle skirt with military inspired embellishments. GORGEOUS!

1950s Fashion: 1950s Ensemble by Carrie Munn. Tailored Blouse and Circle Skirt with Military Inspired Embellishments.

Source: Etsy

Now what does one do when they don’t know something? They do their research and that is exactly what I did! I had to know more about the designer who made this beautiful outfit.

Unfortantely there is not a lot of information on Carrie (AKA Mrs. Orson Munn) but we do have photos of some of her designs, society images & vintage advertising.

Let’s take a look!

Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy , eBay are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Carrie Munn-1940s & 1950s American Fashion Designer and Socialite

1951 Vintage Image of Fashion designer Carrie Munn in 1950s Dress of her designs in a vintage ad

Source: Wikidata

Background on Carrie Munn

Mrs. Munn was best known for her feminine designs, which featured billowing skirts and slim waists and used lace, sequins and ribbon. She also designed ready-to-wear clothes.

Here is a 1952 Cigarette Ad featuring Carrie Munn in one of her designs. STUNNING DRESS!

1950s Vintage Ad for Fatima Cigarettes featuring an image of Fashion designer Carrie Munn in one of her 1950s evening gowns.

Source: eBay

Caroline “Carrie” Nunder was born in Buffalo in 1898 and in 1924 married Orson D. Munn, who was the editor and publisher of Scientific American magazine until he sold his interest in 1947. Mr. Munn died in 1958.

In 1942, without any formal training in fashion design, Mrs. Munn opened a dress shop, Carrie Munn, at 640 Madison Avenue. Among her most popular designs was a quilted tapestry skirt decorated with sequins.

Mrs. Munn was known for her parties at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, which featured shows of her most recent designs (Source).

She passed away in 1984.

The Museum at FIT call’s Munn’s work “derivative” of Dior and Balenciaga (Source).

Fashion designer Carrie Munn (Mrs. Orson D. Munn) in a 1951 advertisement for Utica and Mohawk Cotton Mills, Inc.

“I live on Park Avenue…I sleep in Utica”

Source: Wikimedia

Press photo from the 1920s of Mrs. Harold Wall, Mrs. Orson D. Munn (I think she is the one on the right), Mrs. WIlliam Fleitmann in incredible 1920s dresses, hats and shoes. Another very fashionable photo. (Available as of July 27th, 2021 HERE)

1920s Vintage Photo: Press photo from the 1920s of Mrs. Harold Wall, Mrs. Orson D. Munn, Mrs. WIlliam Fleitmann in incredible 1920s Dresses, hats and shoes. Another very fashionable photo. (Available as of July 27th, 2021 HERE)

Source: eBay

1932 Press photo of Mrs Orson D Munn at Southhampton Long Island NY in the most FANTASTIC 1930s outfit (love it!). (Available as of July 27th, 2021 HERE)

1930s Photo: 1932 Press Photo Mrs Orson D Munn at Southampton Long Island NY in 1930s beach pajamas

“Society Matron at Southhampton….

New York…Mr.s Orson D. Munn, popular society leader, as she appeared at Southhampton, Long Island, where she is a prominent member of the fashionable summer colony. July 30th, 1932.”

1930s Photo: 1932 Press Photo BACK. The front features Mrs Orson D Munn at Southampton Long Island NY in 1930s beach pajamas

Source: eBay

1950s Photo of Mrs. Orson Munn (seated L) and Mrs. Bruno Graf (seated R) posing in a fashion show with their grand daughters, daughter and daughter-in-law.

I am unsure if the dresses in the image are a Carrie Munn Creation (but I’m thinking they are).

1950s Vintage Photo: Mrs. Orson Munn (seated L) and Mrs. Bruno Graf (seated R) posing in a fashion show with their grand daughters, daughter and daughter-in-law. All the women are wearing 1950s dresses

Source: Getty Images

1950s Photo of Socialite Mrs. Orson (Carrie) Munn, escorted by Earl Blackwell, director of celebrity service, arrives at the fashionable first night of the Metropolitan Opera House tonight.

Mrs. Munn wore a gown of golden beige moire with an immense skirt of unpressed pleats. Over it was fitted jacket of the same fabric with deep mink cuffs. Gold and diamond jewelry and a golden lacquer coiffure completed the ensemble.

Television carried the glossy opening night spectacle to 32 theaters throughout the nation (Source).

1950s Vintage Photo showcasing 1950s fashions. 1950s Photo of Socialite Mrs. Orson (Carrie) Munn, escorted by Earl Blackwell, director of celebrity service, arrives at the fashionable first night of the Metropolitan Opera House tonight.

Mrs. Munn wore a gown of golden beige moire with an immense skirt of unpressed pleats. Over it was fitted jacket of the same fabric with deep mink cuffs. Gold and diamond jewelry and a golden lacquer coiffure completed the ensemble.

Source: Getty Images

Carrie Munn Fashion Designs Examples

1950s Woman’s Evening Ensemble: Dress and Slip. WOW! The back is even more stunning then the front.

1950s Fashion: Woman's Evening Ensemble: Dress and Slip c. 1950s Designed by Carrie Munn, American, 1898 - 1984

Source: Philadelphia Museum of Art

Elizabeth Parke Firestone, wife of tire magnate Harvey S. Firestone, Jr., cultivated a refined sense of fashion. Her fashion choices not only reflected her years of interest in clothing design and collaboration with world-renowned couturiers, but also highlighted her family’s social standing.

Firestone wore this jacketed dress — by American designer Carrie Munn — to her 25th wedding anniversary celebration at New York’s Ritz Hotel in 1946.

She would go on and wear several of Carrie Munn Designs.

1940s Vintage Dress-Firestone wore this jacketed dress -- by American designer Carrie Munn -- to her 25th wedding anniversary celebration at New York's Ritz Hotel in 1946.

Source: Arts and Culture Google

Here is the dress that was under the jacket. YOOZA!

Elizabeth Parke Firestone at Her 25th Wedding Anniversary Celebration with Daughters Martha and Elizabeth, June 25, 1946 (Source).

1940s Vintage Photo: Elizabeth Parke Firestone at Her 25th Wedding Anniversary Celebration with Daughters Martha and Elizabeth, June 25, 1946

Source: Henry Ford Museum

Satin Jacquard Evening Dress with Diagonal Stripes, about 1947.

This garment was owned by Elizabeth Parke Firestone. She is shown wearing this dress in photographs taken by Cecil Beaton for Vogue Magazine in very late 1949 or early 1950. Elizabeth also wore this dress at a party for her eldest daughter, Elizabeth (Source).

Source: Digital Library Wayne Edu

1940s Photo: Elizabeth Parke Firestone is shown wearing this and another dress in photographs taken by Cecil Beaton for Vogue Magazine in very late 1949 or early 1950

When I look at this next dress, all I can think about is SPRING! What another knockout 1950s Dress! Don’t you just love the flowers on the skirt? How creative!

1950s Fashion: Carrie Munn 1950s Vintage Dress Green with Flowers. Spring Dress

Source: The museum of fine arts, Houston

1941 Vintage Photo: In The Carrie Munn winter collection shown at the luncheon fashion show at the Waldorf-Astoria was this red wool dinner suit with small black velvet collar trimmed with jeweled buttons. With it are two black fox muffs worn as cuffs.

1940s Photo: 1941 vintage photo of a Model Wearing Hat and Long Suit with Fur Trim. The outfit is a Carrie Munn Design. Beautiful 1940s fashion.

Source: Getty Images

Carrie Munn, 1950s Beige, Cream and Pink Dress. Big fan of this combo!

1950s Vintage Dress by Carrie Munn -1950s Beige, Cream and Pink Evening Dress.

Source: Pinterest

Late 1940s, Carrie Munn Apron Gown. Another stunner of a Spring dress!

Carrie Munn Apron Gown 1940s vintage dress. The dress is ivory organza jacquard with the sleeveless boned bodice embroidered with a single large variegated pastel pink rose on a stalk. The circle skirt has two underlayers and the long apron with picot trim and two rows embroidered roses.

Source: Doyle.com

1953 Cocktail Dress. Black jersey sleeveless bodice with bib of black braid and cord, faille circle skirt, braid and cord decorated net apron. THE DETAILS! Fantastic!

1950s Fashion: 1953 Cocktail Dress. Black jersey sleeveless bodice with bib of black braid and cord, faille circle skirt, braid and cord decorated net apron

Source: Bidsquare.com

Why there is not more on this designer, I will never know. Her creations are beautiful and yet she is footnote on many pages (and it was a HUNT to find images of her designs).

Hopefully this blog post will help shed a bit more light on Carrie Munn to those, like myself who had no idea who she was. Special thanks to FabGabs who brought her to my attention.

Question time: Did you enjoy learning about this designer? Have you ever seen her designs in real life or even on the web? Share in the comments section below, I would love to learn some more!

Further Reading:

Vintage Fashion Designers (Archived Blog Posts)
Vintage Fashion 1920s-1960s (Archived Blog Posts)

Take care!

Liz

Tag: Vintage fashion

The Colour Block Fashions of the 1940s & 1950s

Vintage Fashion Examples

Carrie Munn-1940s & 1950s American Fashion Designer and Socialite

Background on Carrie Munn

Carrie Munn Fashion Designs Examples