vintage fashion
There is no decade of fashion more interesting than the 1940s. At least that’s our opinion. It is so fascinating, because it was born out of necessity. FEMININE & FIERCE Hair | Photography by Nikki Moreno-Whipple/Vixen Pin-Up Photography Makeup by Candy Cunningham/Vixen Pin-Up Photography Models | Robin Nelson and Rhiannon Birdsall Styling | Props by Erin Shipps, Mandy Miller and Calli Green
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orld War II changed every aspect of a woman’s life in this decade, from what they ate, to where they worked, but it had an especially profound impact on fashion. Gridlocked from amassing its usual fashion inspiration from an occupied France, New York emerged as a fashion leader, and everyone—from designers blending recycled wool with other fibers to the everyday woman sewing her family’s clothing— was learning how to do more with less. Staunch regulations from the government, focused on the war, led to confiscation of fabrics like wool and nylon (Japanese silk was also banned for obvious reasons), and dictation on how much material could be used for garment making. Thus was born an era of shorter skirts (think knee-length), shoes made of anything but leather (try reptile skin and mesh), casual pants, ankle socks and two-piece swim- suits (who knew those were born out of a conservation effort?). Colors were patriotic including reds, whites, and blues, and earth-toned. But all these regulations didn’t stop women from looking fabulous. Every woman in the 1940s knew enlisted men, and while they were taking over the work- force, they were also raiding their men’s closets and rocking it (think Rosie the Riveter). They knitted snoods to keep their long hair out of machinery, and made minimal makeup cool. In these pages, our fashion strays from true 1940s, but we kept the inspiration there (nautical, patriotic, simple). To achieve the style from this decade, look for blouses tied at the neck, peplums, suit separates, full or puffy sleeves, full-cut collars, and simple shoes with 1-inch chunky heels (even though ours aren’t). For accessories, try large fake flowers (they were cheap and added color back then) or gold lockets (popular while women’s sweethearts were away at war). We’re inspired by the women of this era, for their thriftiness (albeit forced) and their craftiness—both qualities we strive for—while maintaining that delicate balance of hard work and grace. They worked hard, and they ushered in styles that would last well into the Fifties, and be seen again and again throughout history. Here’s to you, 1940s women.
VintageKC / Spring 2013 29
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