1940s Fashion: The Definitive Sourcebook

This comprehensive sourcebook details the evolution of women's fashion in the 1940s, highlighting key designers and iconic styles throughout the decade.

This sourcebook offers a detailed exploration of fashion during the 1940s, showcasing a season-by-season evolution through original photographs and illustrations. It delves into the social, economic, and cultural influences that shaped this transformative decade, providing insights into the major designers who played pivotal roles in the fashion landscape. From the aftermath of World War II emerged innovative styles that shifted the paradigm of women's fashion, reflecting both resilience and a desire for elegance.

The early 1940s were characterized by practicality and a make-do-and-mend ethos, as wartime conditions dictated a need for thriftiness. Yet, as the decade progressed, the latter years saw a revival of traditional femininity and luxury, culminating in Dior's iconic New Look. This comprehensive survey captures the stark contrasts of the era, from the austerity of wartime attire to the glamorous silhouettes that defined post-war fashion.

1940s Fashion: The Definitive Sourcebook provides an exhaustive examination of women's fashion, featuring everything from lace evening gowns and tailored jackets to figure-enhancing undergarments and daring bikinis. Notable figures such as Veronica Lake and Joan Bennett are highlighted alongside the works of legendary designers like Dior and Balmain. Authored by design historian Charlotte Fiell, with contributions from fashion historian Emmanuelle Dirix, this volume serves as an essential resource for fashion historians, students, and vintage enthusiasts alike.