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 provides an in-depth analysis of the Stiliagi, the Soviet Union's pioneering youth subculture from the late 1940s to the early 1960s. Characterized by their distinctive Western-influenced fashion, affinity for jazz, and resistance to Soviet ideological conformity, the Stiliagi represented a significant cultural shift in post-war Soviet society. The book examines how this subculture, through its embrace of alternative masculinities and nonconformist behaviours, challenged prevailing social norms and influenced Soviet cinema, theatre, and broader cultural discourse. Drawing on rigorous research, the book situates the Stiliagi within the broader context of Soviet and Post-Soviet history, arguing that their legacy persisted well beyond their absorption into mainstream culture. Essential reading for scholars of Soviet history, cultural studies, and subcultural movements, this work offers a nuanced understanding of the Stiliagi's enduring impact on Soviet identity and cultural resistance.

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