Vogue 1956 | Norman Parkinson in India
In celebration of East meets West, we take a look back at when Norman Parkinson travelled to India to shoot what became one of British Vogue’s most infamous shoots...
Anne Gunning in a pink mohair coat outside the City Palace, Jaipur, India, Vogue.
1956.
Following the austerity of the war, Britain wanted to embrace the larger world. Magazines shook off the frugality of the war by making way for larger budgets, which allowed for a wave of photographers and journalists to embrace the spirit of exploration and new cultures!
The Shore temple at Mahabalipuram, India, Vogue. Barbara Mullen wearing a white organza dress with silver embroidery and moonstone-blue organza coat by Horrockses at Chanelle, Knighstbridge. 1956
During the 1950’s flights were still expensive and infrequent, so magazines offered an important insight into the rest of the world for the general public.
Anne Gunning wearing an evening dress in rose red chiffon by Susan Small, India, Vogue. 1956
Parkinson immersed himself in Indian Culture; traveling from the Southern area of Mahabalipuram, all the way up to Kashmir with models Anne Gunning and Barbara Mullen.
Capturing an enchanting and dynamic blend of Western fashion with Indian heritage, to achieve a contemporary and fresh look at India.
Floating with flowers, India, Vogue. Barbara Mullen floating in a cotton mousseline dress by Atrima. 1956
The editorial hit newsstands in November 1956, when Dianna Vreeland famously exclaimed “How clever of you Mr to Parkinson to know that pink is the navy blue of India".
Barbara Mullen at the Red Fort, Delhi, Vogue. 1956
The Pillars of Quwwat-Ul-Islam Mosque at dusk, India, Vogue. Barbara Mullen wearing a gold lame Ball gown by Christian Dior. 1956
