“Duska” Perfume Skyscraper, 1928

 

Dangerous Ladies Powder Box 1920s

 

 

“Duska” Perfume Skyscraper, 1928

Nowadays, it seems like everyone is so comfortable with the simple, boring, and repetitive aesthetic that we have become accustomed to seeing everywhere. And even though design today has gone through an extensive process of trial and error, nothing compares to the intricate and beautiful designs of the 1920s and beyond.

The perfume flacon, “Duska” made from red and black glass was created in the image of a skyscraper. Langlois and Cristallerie De Nancy constructed this refined and tasteful bottle to look like the perfect art-deco addition to your vanity. This is a perfect example of saying, “They don’t make them like this anymore”…

 

 

 

Ford’s Unsuccessful Reinvention of the Wheel, 1960s

Some people always want to try and be the best at everything. And sometimes, in order to be the best, you need to be forward-thinking and comfortable taking risks. But the thing about taking risks is understanding that there is always the possibility of failure. But hey, what’s life without a little risk?

Well, in the 1960s, car manufacturer Ford motors tried their luck at reinventing the steering wheel. However, they didn’t have much success… The pr team at Ford aimed the product at “Non-technical” people, which largely meant women, who everyone knows are terrible at driving… (Can you hear the sarcasm?). Ford eventually came to the realization that it was in no way an upgrade from the original steering wheel.

 

The Black Cat, Hamburg, 1958

No matter the time, people have always been very interested in watching people perform different tricks. Whether it was the 1920s or 2002, there was always something special about seeing someone do something that seemed impossible… The older the trick, the cooler it seems, which makes this mysterious black cat so mesmerizing.

17-year-old Bianca Passarge is the woman in this jaw-dropping image. Taken in 1958 in Hamburg, many people assume that it was a marketing ploy by this winery to attract more business. Either way, this woman’s ability to balance herself on these glass bottles will always be the coolest trick we have ever seen.

 

 

Late Victorian Mountaineers Crossing a Crevasse in the Alps, 1900

When it comes to sports, many different types have been around for a long time. Even though some sports seem somewhat modern or modern-adjacent due to the equipment needed, people have been participating in many different sports for centuries. However, that doesn’t make it any less weird seeing people from a completely different time period doing certain things…

Hiking is one of the few things that requires certain equipment in order to do it safely and successfully. But apparently, people were able to hike the Swiss Alps, nonetheless, in proper clothing. This woman is dressed head-to-toe in presentable clothing and is even wearing a corset! Can you imagine? A corset, on a hike!

 

A Woman’s Compact, 1920s

Even though it might sound strange, nothing else in history has been quite as consistent as women wearing makeup. The application of makeup can be dated back to 4000 BC, and since then, it has only accelerated in every way possible. Regardless of the time period, women always found different ways to ensure that they could wear makeup.

In the 1920s, certain independent women, otherwise known as “Flappers” were considered to be ahead of their time… Constantly challenging societal norms and expectations, these women had to protect themselves at all costs. So why not fake it? A lot of fo women used to carry around coy weapons that actually had makeup in them so that they could scare off any potential threats and have a handy makeup kit at the same time.

 

 

ISO Rivolta Isetta, 1950

There is no denying that the world has experienced significant technological change in the last 50 years. How we communicate with one another to how we get around daily has changed in ways we could never have imagined. And whilst there are benefits to the advancements we now know and love, it can be entertaining looking back at what was…

 

We know what you’re thinking… “How is it safe for anyone to drive in a car like that”? Well, to be honest, car manufacturers didn’t have to work according to the same guidelines that they do today. This little car was the most popular cylinder-shaped car in the world for many years running. There aren’t many of these cars left on the road today, probably for obvious reasons…

 

 

 Magician Robert Harbin Performs Levitating Trick, 1956

No matter what, magicians will always be one of those things that people don’t really understand… The fact that they can perform these unbelievable tricks that people can’t truly comprehend with their own eyes makes them so appealing. Most of the time, magicians do small tricks like strategically placing a card in a deck or pulling out a dove from their hat, but nothing quite like this…

 

Magician Robert Harbin was the man behind many classic magic tricks that we have come to know and love. We know it is crazy to think that there was one person who invented several famous magic illusions, but this man always had people reeling for more. Here he can be seen shocking two female beachgoers in 1956 whilst performing a levitating trick.