A Deep Dive into our Bleeding Heart Autumn/Winter Collection

Our range from Bleeding Heart, exclusive to Blue Banana, is perfect for autumn and winter this year. With a range of 50s-style dresses, coats, and jackets, these beautiful vintage designs would look great on you this Winter. In this blog, we’re going to take a deep dive through our vintage fashion line and where the inspiration for all these amazing dresses and coats comes from. 

If you don’t think retro style is for you, try this Embossed Floral Waistcoat. With a beautiful but understated design, this neutral black waistcoat will match everything. If you want to dip your toe into vintage dressing, this waistcoat is the perfect place to start as it matches the current trending style of waistcoats. This vintage waistcoat design suits many other aesthetics, such as goth, steampunk, indie, and alternative. Perfect for everyone, elevate your look with the subtle embossed floral design. 

This Floral Print Jacket is made up of an embossed, swirling design, with an emphasised pointed hem that cuts high towards the ornate buttons. This austere jacket is perfect for adding a touch of dark elegance to your outfit. You could layer over the floral waistcoat and pair it with a white shirt and crisp collar to create a formal masculine look, with a feminine embossed floral twist. The high cut of the jacket and exaggerated hemline still highlight the natural waistline, however, it is less emphasised than it is in the rest of this range by Bleeding Heart. 

Layer up with one of these winter Pea Coats, available in a stunningly bright red with a contrasting black trim or in black with velvet black bows on the lapels of the collar. Bleeding Heart designs their dresses to flatter, and their coats are no different with a complimentary fit-and-flare tailored design that suits everyone. These 50s-style pea coats were originally shorter and worn by European and American sailors and navy, made of thick wool. The broad lapels were a staple of the style and can be seen on these versions from Bleeding Heart. 

This belted, long Pea Coat has a removable faux fur collar, large, stylised buttons down the front, two side pockets and one breast pocket. This colourful coat, in a monochromatic hot pink, is a fun and stylish recreation of styles popular in the 50s. The fur collar can be securely attached by three small pink buttons, one at the back of the neck and two at either side of the front of the collar. This long, thick coat is great for winter, made even warmer by the faux fur collar around the neck. Fake fur was first introduced in the late 1920s, however technological advancements in textile manufacturing following the years of the Second World War also led to the improvement of the quality of faux fur. This increased availability, breaking the pricing roof, also led to the increased popularity of fur accessories in the 1950s and the use of faux fur in winter coats is still popular today. 

Steering away from the loose and boxier silhouettes that were popular following the First World War (emphasising youthfulness and independence) and during the Second World War out of practicality for the working woman, the late 40s and 50s saw the return of the cinched waist. Coats and jackets followed this trend, as can be seen with this Woollen Jacket. Featuring the larger collars reminiscent of the pea coats, this structured jacket has long sleeves and tailoring around the bust to create the illusion of a smaller waist. Large buttons line the front of the jacket, and the faux leather buckle shines in comparison to the densely woven fabric. The belt wraps high around the waist, creating a cinched appearance. This fashion era is infamous for its highly feminine styles and the emphasis on the ‘womanly’ figure, highlighting curves and the shape of the waist. 

Bleeding Heart creates breathtakingly flattering and gorgeous alternative dresses that are exclusive to Blue Banana, such as this Red Tulip Midi Dress. This midi dress has a vintage fit and flare style that Bleeding Heart is recognisable for, with a beautiful floral pattern heaviest around the hemline of the dress. The ¾ length sleeves and boat neckline are both timeless styles that can be seen in contemporary clothing today but add to the quintessentially retro aesthetic of this alternative midi dress. Seams around the bust and across the back add tailoring to the top, accentuating the flare of the skirt. Although commonly referred to as a 50s style, this silhouette originated in 1947 with Christian Dior’s triumphant release of the Corelle Line that became colloquially known as the ‘New Look’. 

This black and blue Lotus Print Midi Winter Dress is of a similar style to the red tulip dress above, however, it features a scalloped neckline and long sleeves, ideal for winter. The full skirt also protects from the cold, under which tights or leggings could be layered. This elegant dress even has hidden pockets that don’t disrupt the sweeping lines. This dress is perfect for an evening out, with an eye-catching and slightly whimsical pattern. This is still in line with 1950s designs, with Dior’s ‘New Look’ and a nostalgic return to fuller silhouettes also marking the return of brighter and more romantic patterns.

Another dress that would be perfect for a dressy or formal event would be our Smokey Flower Midi Dress; keeping the tight fit and flare shape so iconic to the 50s, seen being worn by famous figures such as Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and Grace Kelly, this dress is tailored to the bust and voluminous at the hip. An invisible zip closes at the back and two straps criss-cross above. The tailoring at the front is mirrored on the back of the dress to ensure the tight, fitted vintage silhouette is faithfully recreated. The long sleeves once again mean this dress is great for winter parties. The print is made up of large flowers with soft blue and yellow to diffuse any harsh lines, giving it a hazy and smokey effect. 

Enjoy a night of dancing and fun in this velvet Red Midi Dress. Similarly to the rest of this range, this vintage dress has long sleeves that make it perfect to comfortably wear in the colder months, in the chillier days and the frosty nights. This deep red velvet dress could be perfect for any upcoming events over the winter holidays, such as a more formal New Year’s party, or an evening do for work and clubs. Although this dress doesn’t feature a print and might appear plainer than the others in this collection, the deep and bold red is eye-catching enough on its own. The fit and flare shape you have likely become familiar with is visible in this dress, with a tightly fitted bodice featuring the same tailoring as can be seen on many of these other vintage clothes. This dress is bold, flirty and fun.

This Autumnal Flower Dress captures the elevated essence of casual dress in the 50s. This belted look is reminiscent of many shirt dresses and belted dresses worn by Hollywood’s biggest stars at the time. Although still fitted, the flare skirt is less voluminous and less emphasised in this look, appearing more casual. The print features a beautiful contrast between soft orange and yellow petals with a turquoise shade of green that makes up the leaves, giving the appearance of flowers or autumn leaves falling from the trees. The waistband around the middle gives the illusion of a belt, a popular look from the 50s as it emphasised the waist and the fullness of the skirts. 

Look ethereal in this velvet Swan Midi Dress, with long sleeves and a high collar. Tailoring around the bust is emphasised by the slight puff in the sleeves, rounding the shoulders in line with contemporary 50s fashion. There was an emphasis on delicacy. This swan pattern is certainly delicate, the velvet creating a soft, brushed effect. The cool colour palette is perfectly matched to winter. This retro dress would be a great evening dress, paired with some black stiletto heels to recreate a vintage outfit. 

This winter range from Bleeding Heart stays true to its vintage roots, taking heavy inspiration from styles popular in the 50s. Stand out with these beautiful dresses and coats at events or parties this holiday season, or wear them day-to-day if you’re a big vintage fan.