Wednesday, June 9, 2010

The Dees Triplets - 1960s Fashion


A few months back I first stumbled onto a photo of this stunning trio on Tumblr. The image was from the fabulous LIFE archives now hosted on Google, but background information was sparse. The picture  was labeled 1964 and the photographer was credited as Nina Leen. And there were dozens more photographs featuring these same identical triplets, modeling what would have been super-stylish 60s garb. I was immediately drawn to the threesome, with their dark, swingy bobs and almost 1920s inspired outfits. But I couldn't figure out just who they were.


Finally I was able to mark them as the Dees triplets. I dove onto Wikipedia. Nothing. Google also  provided zero results. How could it be that three triplets who were famous enough to be featured in  extensive LIFE photo fashion shoots be nameless? There was no history. No anything.

It was only a few weeks ago that was able to find one of the fashion prints online, labeled with their names: Christina, Katha and Megan. While this was a milestone discovery in itself, I'd still like to dig up some more information. If anybody has any leads, let me know!


Here's a selection of my favorite images from the fashion shoots. I love all the style inspiration, the obvious affection the sisters seem to share and the fun glimpse into the past that these photo provide.

These first outfits look very 1920s. The dropped waistlines and flowing ruffles go perfectly with the girls' haircuts and pearl necklaces. And the shoes are decidedly vintage inspired. The straps, cutouts and little details are fabulous.


Who couldn't love these fake "walking the dog" photos? I find them almost laugh-out-loud funny and can just imagine a fluffy white poodle (gag!) at the end of every leash.

The 1920s inspiration continues here with short, pleated skirts and a top that doesn't provide a whole lot of waistline definition. The girls are wearing some fun slingback heels and are finished off with pearl earrings and gloves. And check out the three different ways you can wear that hat! Which style is your favorite? I'd definitely go with the one on the left.


Yay for adorable sportswear! The fun plaid top and cover -ups are really cute. The former looks great with the fitted white capris so popular in the 60s, and the sleeveless sheath + hoodie is adorable (so comfy!). Of course, I love any picture where some one is playing Solitaire (*mildly obsessed* ;).

The funky, asian-inspired sheaths in the second image are not so much my style. But check out the lovely paper umbrellas! Perfect.


This is such a gorgeous, classic evening wear look. Very Princess Grace or Jackie O. I wish I could see whether the fitted, black skirt cuts right below the knee or if it's long (the latter would be amazing). The wide-collared "trapeze" style of the jacket is just stunning, with a bow and rhinestone pin for added sophistication. Looks like these never really go out of style and would fit quite well in today's often 60s-inspired clothing choices.
___________________________________________

There. I hope I've done credit to the Dees sisters. Let me know what you think of them and their fashion sense. And if you find anything else out about their lives, pass it along! :)
___________________________________________

I just want to let you all know that I'm going to be scaling back posting on AmandaBeth to an average of  once a week. This will make it easier for me to balance out blogging with life and hopefully keep things fresh and inspired. Thank you all for your understanding and for continuing to read the blog. 

God bless!


Images: LIFE


12 comments:

Atlanta said...

Very cute! Their styles are so classy. And the hairstyles look cute - but I wouldn't want to only be able to see out of one eye. lol.

cool post!

Mac and Kat said...

Wow!! I absolutely looove the third set of pictures!! The dresses in it and the hairstyles remind me so much of the 20's!!! I have been thinking seriously about getting my hair cut just like theirs!!! Only the style I want is very similar but it's the hairstyle Fanny wears in the movie 'Funny Girl'. The costumes and hairstyles in the movie are very 20's inspired 60's look or 60's inspired 20's look. ha! There absolutely beautiful in the movie! I love the 20's style clothing!

God Bless!
~Kat

Delaney said...

The girls are adorable! The styles they're modeling are beautiful and fascinating as pieces of the past as well as inspiration for the present. :) Thanks for posting this.

KaHolly said...

Amanda, you are right on!

Little Lady said...

Aw!!! love it!!! the third set of pics is my favorite as well! Such cute classy clothes!

http://insunshineandshadowsmew.blogspot.com/

Sarah said...

Oh my goodness! One of my "goals" in life is to have identical triplet girls!! Sorry this really has nothing to do with the rest of the post,I just had to mention it since they're so rare! :)

ps I got your email! :) :)

Amanda Flynn said...

Glad you all enjoyed these girls and their fashion. I must admit that after the long search for their identities, I'm quite attached to them ;)

Kat - I've got to see Funny Girl some time. I just love a couple of the songs from that - Barbra Streisand is amaing. :)

Sarah - Identical triplet girls? Good luck with that. lol ;)

Anonymous said...

SO cool!!!
I know Triplets, actually =)
And a few sets of twins.
I can't find ANYTHING on them!!
~ Ëarwen

http://shieldmaidenthoughts.wordpress.com

~Miss Raquel said...

SO CUTE!! Oh my goodness, I LOVE their style - and definitely how much them seemed to get along so well...so sisterly! :) I will definitely try to find some more info on them, girl...I'll get back to you.
TTYL,
~Raquel
www.the-christian-fashionista.blogspot.com

Kelsey said...

they are adorable!!! do let us know if you find anything more on them!

Modesty is Pretty said...

this is such a fashion inspiring post, the 60's style is coming back you know, I loved this post =)

Amanda Flynn said...

Earwen - I've got cousins who are triplets. And sisters, cousins, dad and a grandmother who are all twins. And that's just in the family... ;) lol

Modesty is Pretty - Yep, 60s looks have been all the rage the past few years. Some of them have been not so good, but a lot of the styles are starting to grow on me. :0