New York City’s annual Easter parade has become more than a stroll down Fifth Avenue for ladies and gentlemen in perfectly tailored spring suits and dresses. Over the years the parade has grown from watching the show in one’s carriage to a fantastical showing of DIY (do-it-yourself) towering bonnets, hats, baskets and delightful spring fashion — wearers introducing an enchanting array of spring fashion colors to shed the feeling of the long winter days. All to the excitement of onlookers strolling along the avenue, ending at Rockefeller Center to celebrate the day.
This year, Easter will be celebrated on Sunday. WWD has been watching the fun since its beginnings in 1910. When the daily decided to take a walk back in time to celebrate 50 years of Women’s Fashion Industries on Aug. 15, 1950, a look at the Easter Parade and fashion trends of the day was included, noting that the parade had grown from a sprinkling of 400 people to over 4 million. While the parade may not boast the same numbers today — though Fifth Avenue is off limits for part of the day — the Easter Parade is still one of the most exciting times in the city to welcome in the spring season.
