Why were poodle skirts popular?

The poodle skirt was created in New York City in 1947 by Ralph Walters, an 18 year old apprentice pattern maker and aspiring fashion designer. The great popularity of this design launched his career and Walters went on to become a master pattern maker and the chief designer of Jay-Mee Fashions which was located at 520 8th Avenue (Fashion Avenue) in the heart of the garment district in Manhattan. Walters' designs at Jay-Mee were sold bearing the house labels of many department stores, as was the custom during the 1950's, 60's and 70's, including Macys, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor and Bonwit Teller. Walters died in 1976 at the age of 47 from leukemia.