Synthetic Fibers

“People wanted improvements, wanted something better, and they’re getting it today — with new stretch nylon stockings! The answer to the public’s demand for new things, better things, more beautiful things!”

Along with nylon and rayon, the 1940’s and 50’s brought with them a wealth of promotional films to educate its sales force and introduce this fabulous new products to the public.

From 1941, we have “Tomorrow Always Comes”, the story of a woman who dreams of a more convenient, affordable fabric. Literally dreams, as it turns out, as the film launches into a shopping fanatasy, where we learn that the new label inside, “Made of Bur-Mil Quality Rayon Fabric”, is “an assurance of quality, the very best guide you can have for buying rayon”. Dreamland turns into a TV show starring fashion expert Betty Finesse, which turns into an on-screen wedding, then a parade of honeymoon slips! If only this day would come!

From 1956: “The Story of a Star”, where we learn that “stockings of of Agilon yarn give more beauty in the beauty zone, and more comfort in the comfort zone.”

And also from 1940’s: “Aristocrats of Fashion”, a series of tableaus “presenting a thrilling array of new fashions for active sports, for informal afternoon and for gala evening wear ... you will see georgette chiffons, sheers and numerous original creations, all made from BEMBERG rayon, the aristocrat of man-man yarn.”

We’ll be mixing this up with some vintage ads, movies showing the manufacture of synthetics, and of course, silky, exciting, and very fashionable music.