Retro futuristic concept drawings for branded stores in the 1950s. I really dig the look and the color schemes.

Images via the Ultra Swank Photo Group

Found a whole bunch of really nice vintage American car advertisements from the 1950s and 1960s in the Ultra Swank Flickr Group. Wish Detroit still would do classic hand drawn illustrations like this today for their cars. Which is your favorite American mid century car and why?

I am the mood to travel to some place warm and exciting so I thought, why not experience some vintage airline commercials from the the past for some inspiration? Here are a bunch of TWA, Pan Am and Braniff commercials produced in the late 1960s and the 1970s — the golden age of air travel — that are sure to bring a smile to your lips. Which is your favorite airline to travel with today? Continue reading to see all the clips.

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Not that Ultra Swank condones being sexist, it just sometimes amazes me what kind of stuff advertising agencies were able to pull off around the 1950s. Here are some fine examples of American ads of the times that takes a punch at women only being good for being secretaries, housewives and objects of beauty. Even though the ads would never pass in a magazine today, they are still cute in a old fashioned way. Thankfully, men have evolved a little over the years. [Via]

If you always wanted to know how you would fit in the Mad Men world of New York in the early 1960s, here's your chance. AMC has made available a cute website that lets you create your own Mad Men identity and then download your favorite creations as buddy icons and sleek wallpaper for your desktop. There are of course options for both guys and gals and the background music really sets the mood perfectly. Head on right over now and Mad Men Yourself! Also, don't miss the season premiere of Mad Men on AMC, August 10, from 7am to 8pm. [Thanks Cam]

If you always wanted to work in the advertising business in New York circa 1962, here's your chance! AMC are advertising a contest for a walk-on role for season 4 of the series which basically means that you have a chance to get a small speaking part in a future episode. To enter the competition pick up your casting call entry code at a Banana Republic store from July 21st through August 11th and then submit a photo of your self, Mad Men style. For more information about the contest, visit the Mad Men website. [Thanks Cam]

Here in Sweden we just skipped spring, summer and autumn and went directly back to winter again, so why not take a trip to the sun with Eastern Airlines? Here are six one-minute vintage commercials with none other than Brazilian bossa legend Astrud Gilberto on vocals. The jingles were recorded in the late 1960s and styled in different variations. Taken from a promotion 7" record intended for their employees only, but now offered to the Ultra Swank readers as well.

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Since my previous post about the TV show Mad Men from AMC back in November I have now watched the entire first season (13 episodes) and thought I would share some thoughts about the show. Mad Men is a drama about a prestigious ad agency in the beginning of the 1960s at midtown Manhattan New York, revolving around the life of creative director Donald Draper. Working with advertising in the 50s and 60s was one of the most glamorous jobs you could have along airline pilot and stewardess. And if you were working in Manhattan, you were pretty much the king of the mountain.

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