Stiliagi and Soviet Masculinities, 1945-2010 - (Studies in Design and Material Culture) by Alla Myzelev (Hardcover)

About the Book

This book explores the Stiliagi, the Soviet Union's first youth subculture from the late 1940s to the 1960s

Book Synopsis

This book explores the Stiliagi, the Soviet Union's first youth subculture from the late 1940s to the 1960s. It examines their Western-influenced fashion, love of jazz, and defiance of Soviet norms, revealing how they challenged traditional masculinity and reshaped Soviet cultural identity. Through rigorous research, it offers insight into their lasting impact on Soviet and Post-Soviet culture.

From the Back Cover

This book offers an in-depth exploration of the stiliagi, the Soviet Union's first youth subculture, which emerged in the late 1940s and flourished until the early 1960s. Known for their sharp suits, colourful dresses, Western-inspired fashion, and playful use of English slang, these young people stood out in a society that demanded conformity. They loved jazz and blues, embraced freedom in style and spirit, and challenged the rigid expectations of Soviet life after World War II. But the stiliagi were more than fashion enthusiasts or music fans. They pioneered new ways of expressing identity and masculinity under an authoritarian system. Their defiance unsettled official ideology, yet their influence outlasted the subculture itself, shaping Soviet cinema, theatre, and ideas of individuality well into the late and post-Soviet eras.

Drawing on extensive historical research, this book shows how the stiliagi embodied both rebellion and creativity. It demonstrates why their story still resonates today and offers fresh insights into Soviet history, youth culture, and the power of style to question authority. Perfect for a general audience as well as students and academics, it provides a vivid look at how fashion and music became acts of resistance in the Soviet Union.

About the Author

Alla Myzelev is Professor of Art History and Museum Studies State University of New York at Geneseo