Vintage Tennis Outfits from the 1920’s-1950’s

I am not American, I am Canadian but what is happening in the United States with the racial injustice is indeed happening here in Canada as well. I have struggled with what to say and what to do and then I realized that by remaining silent I was part of the problem. I need to listen, to learn, to grow, to change and to speak up and I’m starting here with my blog.

Please note readers that my blog is not going to turn into a political blog. It will still remain a place where you can go to see images from the 1920s-1960s, read about someones history and see the photos of people living their lives (and so much more). I just want to bring more BIPOC to my blog’s content (those vintage ads, those vintage photos) as I have realized they are not represented enough in my community (and I would like to help change that).

So today’s post is is showcasing amazing Women of Colour (WOC) vintage Instagram accounts, thanks to the hashtag #Diversifyyourvintage. If you don’t have Instagram don’t worry, you can still enjoy what I posted below and if you do decide to get Instagram, consider following these accounts.

There will be more posts like this in the future, so consider this Part 1!

Strawberry Starlette

Everything on Strawberry Starlette’s Instagram is what I dream about being one day when I grow up. Her 1940s style and her partners style is so dreamy and authentic I can’t help but want to like every photo (not creepy right?).

Here there are recreating this little scene from the movie Georgie Porgie (1946) featuring Ray Hirsch and Patti Lacey and put our own twist to it. FUN!

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A post shared by @strawberrystarlette on May 2, 2020 at 3:00pm PDT

2023 Add-On: Serena (@sewrena_)

I have been following Serena for a few months now and in that time I have learned so much about vintage style and been very inspired by her vintage fashions. She is a fantastic creator and everyone should follow her!

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A post shared by Serena (@sewrena_)

Zoe, The Vintage Giraffe

As a rather tall vintage dresser myself, Zoe the Vintage Giraffe has been an account I have enjoyed following for quite some time. She has an amazing eye for mid century vintage clothing that just looks perfect on her and she has the best smile! You can’t help but be drawn into her account and everything she posts.

The Urban Pinup

The Urban Pinup manages to make everything she touches look cool. I’m digging the vintage hairstyle while on roller skates photos!

VIVAKAYLA (January 2023 update-This account no longer seems to be on IG)

While going thru the ‘Diversify your Vintage’ Hashtag I came upon Kayla and her super cute vintage style. But it was this particular post below that really stood out to me and really made me realize how true her words were (hit the arrow on the image to see the 2nd image). It is important that POC in this vintage community feel represented and I’m sorry that…

Here is what Kayla said in her own words about this image:

Not too long after I started doing vintage content, I had the rush of wanting to follow tons of other vintage gals and guys on Instagram. After scrolling and searching for a while, I realized that the amount of POC shown on my explore page in general was sparse let alone vintage POC. A sad but true fact was that it was hard to find people who looked like me on Instagram with my similar interests and yes, it stung a little. I decided I wanted to bring the WOC in the vintage community together to show that we are united now more than ever.

I didn’t want it to be rare for others to feel that sense of community within the minority on Instagram. Putting together this wonderful collaboration with some of the most beautiful souls on IG was such a dream!

Also, this collage was inspired by the Brady Bunch, a family that represented an “American Dream” in the late 1960’s. During a time of uncertainty and a fight to gain unity, freedom and a new American Dream in our world today, I’m so proud to stand with my wonderful vintage WOC on Instagram and show that we are united in our diversity. Vintage Style NOT Vintage Values!

Melanie at Your_Summer_Dream

Melanie is a new IG account that I just started following and I’m so glad I did. She has a great sense of style that is very “beach boys party vibe”. In fact her IG profile says “I worship at the church of Brian Wilson”. Love it!

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A post shared by Melanie💘☀️🏖 (@your_summer_dream_) on Jun 8, 2020 at 3:52pm PDT

Ashleeta Beauchamp at Ashletta

Ashleeta is a Burlesque Dancer, Model, Glamour Ghoul, Intersectional Feminist and Contributing Editor of ‘The Vintage Women Magazine‘ (Must read friends!). Her feed is a mix of everything she loves and supports. Go and check her out!

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A post shared by Ashleeta Beauchamp (@ashleeta) on May 19, 2020 at 4:19pm PDT

Jennifer at TheClassicRed_

Jennifer’s Instagram is beautifully curated with vintage clothing, makeup tips and more. Her style is outstanding and I love her regular posts on HUE Magazine Covers (I’m a sucker for any of that content). Check her out below.

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A post shared by Jennifer Vintage Life | Style (@theclassicred_) on Jun 9, 2020 at 2:36pm PDT

Hellablacklindyhop

Not all WOC for this last Instagram account , but as a Lindy Hopper I wanted you know to know about this amazing dance troupe.

ABOUT: The Lindy Hop is a Black American dance that started in Harlem, NYC at the end of the 1920s.

Lindy Hop evokes in turn the rhythm of African-American work songs, gospel corporeality, and the formality of European ballroom dances. The music and the dance have been shaped by the experience of oppression, slavery, and segregation.

However, the Lindy Hop (also known as the Jitterbug), became over the years mostly an emblem of American popular and national culture: appropriated by Hollywood and the cultural industry at large as early as the 1930s. As a result, it is often known now as the dance of GIs and the “liberation” of Europe by Allied forces. The Africanity of Lindy Hop has almost been erased.

This is why it is important to highlight it and celebrate it. Hella Black Lindy Hop does this! Enjoy the video below.

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A post shared by Hellablacklindyhop (@hellablacklindyhop) on Feb 22, 2020 at 3:41am PST

Dear Readers, I hope you enjoyed this post showcasing fantastic WOC (and 1 fun dance troupe) This post is short this I know but don’t worry there will be more in the future!

Stay safe and see you soon at the Vintage Inn!

Further Reading:

• Vintage Photo Tuesday: Vintage Black Style
• Women of the Big Band Era Everyone Should Know-Part 2

Liz