With a dynamic and thriving economy, teenagers were freed from the responsibility of working to support themselves. Therefore, they had more time and money to spend however they chose, and many opted to see movies. Just as many of the movie starts defied authority, fashion also defied some of the accepted rules and status quo. James Dean became a 1950s icon. Sporting ripped jeans, tee shirts, and leather jackets, he appeared in movies such as Blackboard Jungle in 1956. His insubordinate behavior and daring fashion statements turned heads of young adults everywhere. Marlon Brando, enigmatic and virile, sported similar designs in the 1951 movie A Streetcar Named Desire. Budding star Paul Newman also helped popularize the look of the brooding, oppressed artist in movies like Somebody Up There Likes Me in 1956. Just as men's fashion emulated the silver screen rebels, young girl's fashions tended to move toward the anti-heroine of 1950s movies. Witty and earthy, Ava Gardner was not only a beauty, but could also hold her own with boys. In 1953 Mogambo, Ava plays an adaptable, witty woman on safari who men fall for despite her strong mindedness. Marilyn Monroe also embodied the characteristics of the anti-heroine with her flippant ideas and scandalous clothing choices. Movies like Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Some Like It Hot teased viewers with glimpses of Monroe's ample bust and voluptuous legs. Fashion adopted this trend, and the shorter, showier fashions became common. The mini skirt was a must-have, and the halter dress became a 1950s staple. Women were less afraid to display their bodies in tight-fitting pants or skirts. The movies and the fashions that emerged were also influenced by the flourishing music industry, specifically in the form of "rock-n-roll."".
Rock-n-roll inspired widespread change in all areas of culture, including the fashions. Teens gathered around their new black-and-white televisions to watch the bands and the audiences of American Bandstand, a program hosted by Dick Clark which highlighted popular music of the day.
