Figure 1.--This snapshot shows an Argentine family enjoying a breezy seaside outing, perhaps at Mar del Plata. Presumably dad took the photograph. The boy wears a romper suit rather like the rompers we see French boys wearing at the time. The snapshot is undated, but looks like the late-1950s to us. Aeader asks how old the boy is and guesses age 5 years. We would probably guess 4 years old, but without any real conviction.

We suspect this is the European influence, perhaps Italian or French. Argentina had a substantial Itlaian immigrant Argentine population. Many families in comfortable circumstances seem influenced by French fashions. Argentin did not have a substantial French immigrant community, but French fashion influences still seem very imprtant. The rompers we see look rather like the ones we see in France. Argentina was a very fashionable country and economic afluence gave many Argentine families the ability to pursue their fashion interests. Argentina had aeconomy in the early-20th century and looked to be making the transition from developing to developed country. Thus many Argentine families were affluent and had the ability to dress fashionably. Tragically after World War II a combination of popularism and socialism undrcut what was once a very healthy economy and prevented Argentina from emerging as a modern developed economy which of course has affected consumer demand. .

Created: 1:10 PM 8/26/2017
Last updated: 1:10 PM 8/26/2017