By watching the entertainers and their studio audiences, TV viewers could get ideas for new fashions of the times. Similar to the rebellious movie stars, rock and roll stars also became popular among teenagers for their contrary behavior and edgy style. Elvis is the ultimate example of rock-n-roll rebellion. By mixing blues and gospel and adding swiveling hips, he got the attention of both young girls and angry parents. Although controversial, designers used his persona to push suits and jackets of the time, and he became a fashion legend as well as one of rock-n-roll.
Literature and writers of the 1950s helped bring about the beatnik movement. Desensitized and disillusioned from WWI, writers such as Herbert Huncke, Carl Solomon, and Neal Cassidy created controversial poetry and novels that challenged society's beliefs. Jack Kerouac, author of On the Road in 1957, embodied this movement with his bitter, comic rants against society. Political activist and poet Alan Ginsberg showed anger and idealism in his esoteric works. This generation of writers inspired the beatnik style of pencil skirts, stirrup pants, chunky sweaters, and especially the color black.
Inspirations of the 1950's obviously influenced designers in helping them come up with new and creative designs. One famous designer, still widely known today, was the most popular designer in the post-war period. Christian Dior was born in 1905 in Normandy, France. At first his parents insisted he study political science. After serving in the military, he went to Paris and started his design career selling sketches. At first his hat designs were more popular than his dresses. Yet he kept working hard and was hired by Robert Piguet in 1938. He worked here throughout the duration of the war. Christian Dior became a worldwide success from his stunning appearance of the New Look in 1947. His success was so great that the House of Dior was earning roughly $15 million a year and was 66% of the French exports.
