40fe

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The 40s were a period marked by constant war. Stocks were regulated and resources were scarce. In order to meet the wartime demand, clothing designs were mass produced quickly and at a fraction of the original price. There was no definite style in the first part of this decade. Women became increasingly adept at making do, taking garments apart and restyling them. * Classic grey suit worn by modern working women.

The media encouraged them to make clothes out of old blankets and curtains. The women were told "use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without". Dungaress (blue denim pants), trousers and one-piece overalls as women's wear were socially acceptable at work.

By 1946, the silhouette began to show definite changes. Unpadded shoulders became very popular. Opinions were now divided on whether women would opt for a new, radically different style of full and longer skirts, or with their newfound freedom. The new style consisted of clothes emphasizing round hips by big pockets, gathers and drapery. Shoulders were rounded and waistlines were small. * Feminine suit with distinct unpadded shoulders.

Christian Dior entered the fashion scene when women of both sides of the Atlantic were eager for change. When he introduced curvaceous line, accentuating the bust, the waist, the hips and the ankles and the sheer extravagance of yards and yards of fabric. * Curvaceous evening dress with flowing skirt.

Elegant pieces incorporating flowers and the suit design, gave Dior his edge. Full length dresses were combined with suit jackets were characteristic of Dior.   * White suit worn with shawl.