From a never published series for LIFE magazine, "Balmain Backstage in Paris 1954" shot by Mark Shaw. There are so many delightful details in these photos, you really must take some time to look over them and see the hidden delights. The box purses, the satin gloves, the oh so lovely shoes.
Do you notice how well kept all the assistants are too? A lot of modern day backstage photos show assistants that look a bit... rushed... if you will.
Oh goodness, look at those under things! Granny panties and couture! HAHA!
And you might also take notice, some models back then were pretty much as thin as the models in present times, but were just "softer" in appearance.