1940s Fashion: The Definitive Sourcebook

From the ashes of the Second World War came forward-thinking fashions, the likes of which had never been seen before.

The early Forties were defined by thriftiness and practicality, a make-do-and-mend attitude in a time of war. However, the latter half of the decade saw the emergence of the traditional femininity, elegance and luxury often associated with the era. Spanning the austerity of the war years to the introduction of Dior's revolutionary New Look, this extensive survey brings together vintage photography and illustrations to follow the season-by-season fashion evolution of the Forties, providing a comprehensive overview of this period of contrasts.

1940s Fashion: The Definitive Sourcebook covers every aspect of female fashions from the decade, from lace evening gowns, tailored jackets and furs to figure-sculpting undergarments, satin negligees and scandalous bikinis, offering the most comprehensive appraisal of this age of wartime and post-war glamour. This in-depth look at the styles and trends that shaped 1940s fashion features images of the decade's most iconic stars and designers. Stylish leading ladies such as Veronica Lake, Joan Bennett and Barbara Stanwyck are included as well as designs by Dior, Lucien Lelong, Balmain and Worth.

Authored and edited by renowned design historian, Charlotte Fiell, this volume also contains an authoritative introduction by fashion historian, Emmanuelle Dirix, as well as the biographies of the key designers and fashion houses of the period.

Charlotte Fiell is a leading design historian who has written numerous bestselling books on all aspects of design. She studied at the British Institute in Florence, Camberwell College of Arts in London, and later trained at Sotheby's Institute, also in London.

Emmanuelle Dirix is a highly regarded fashion historian and curator. She lectures on Critical and Historical studies at Winchester School of Art, Central Saint Martins, the Royal College of Art and the Antwerp Fashion Academy. She regularly contributes to exhibition catalogues and academic volumes. Recent projects include the exhibition and book Unravel: Knitwear in Fashion, 1920s Fashion: The Definitive Sourcebook and 1930s Fashion: the Definitive Sourcebook.

This sourcebook is a season-by-season fashion evolution of the Forties, featuring original photos and illustrations. Includes analysis of the social, economic and cultural factors that influenced this period, and information about the major designers. From the ashes of the Second World War arose inventive and forward-thinking designs, the likes of which had never been seen in fashion before, or since. The early Forties were defined by thriftiness and practicality, but the latter half of the decade saw an explosion of elegance. Fashion Sourcebook 1940s is an extensive survey that brings together previously unpublished photography and beautifully drawn illustrations to provide a comprehensive overview of the period, from the austerity of the war years to the introduction of Dior's revolutionary 'New Look', and the rise of Hollywood glamour. From haute couture to ready-to-wear, follow the season-by-season fashion evolution of the Forties. Featuring images of the decade's icons such as Joan Bennett, Veronica Lake and Barbara Stanwyck, and designers including Dior, Lucien Lelong, Balmain, Nina Ricci, and Worth. Including an introduction by fashion historian Emmanuelle Dirix, discover the different trends of the period and uncover the biographies of the decade's lauded designers in an in-depth look to who shaped the 1940s fashion world.

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