Apr 9, 2019

A Sign of Times 1940’s



Here's another installment from Anna Espindola on the influences on fashion trends. Enjoy!





The 1940's were a decade many countries around the world will never forget. With the second world war (WW2) and clothing rationing, the war time pride of fashion on a budget became the norm.

1940's fashion for men and women experienced deep changes but also created some of the most flattering designs of the 20th century.

Here is a cool video of the 1940’s:



https://video.vogue.com/watch/sarah-jessica-parker-fashion-history-vogue-125th-anniversary



1940’S


OVERALL MOOD

Wartime preoccupation
Grave
Strong nationalism
Common cause philosophy


POLITICAL & HISTORICAL EVENTS

World War II
Paris falls to the Germans (Fashion Houses close)
Shortage of materials, priority is for the war effort (Consumption Laws)


ECONOMY

Directly linked to the War effort


TECHNOLOGY

Synthetic fabrics become extremely popular


LIFESTYLE & SOCIAL VALUES

Everything was based on the War effort
Rations and confiscation of goods
Men are in the army so women take men’s jobs
After the War, women return to their role as homemakers


MASS MEDIA & THE ARTS


War reels at theaters
Radio and records Crooners: Crosby, Sinatra


INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE

Pinup girls
Emergence of American designers


KEY DESIGNERS

Claire McCardell
Bonnie Cashin
Christian Dior




We hope you are enjoying these posts. Stay tuned for next week when Anna will be presenting the decade of the 1950's.








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