1944 RBW Fashion Illustration: Davidow Suits

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-hxjfmtwM2nIPEK84hBtrLN-mE6paeoyXBHsNPHCJKBQOaCT5fKM22zwul4n7A5fb_VMn3TQfoeLeHCuVi3KMzfNccf3ozjaSUcV9GoskLiMfLzPVB6vrfWnrRj4Aj9m6WJ0qa2Dwj_kz/s1600/IMG_2962.edited.+Davidow+suits,+12.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-hxjfmtwM2nIPEK84hBtrLN-mE6paeoyXBHsNPHCJKBQOaCT5fKM22zwul4n7A5fb_VMn3TQfoeLeHCuVi3KMzfNccf3ozjaSUcV9GoskLiMfLzPVB6vrfWnrRj4Aj9m6WJ0qa2Dwj_kz/s640/IMG_2962.edited.+Davidow+suits,+12.44.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br /><br />This ink wash fashion illustration is by RBW and shows Davidow suits for winter, 1944. The signature Davidow soft tailoring is already in evidence by the soft belting and shirt-style jackets pictured here. <br /><br />I include this Davidow set to reference earlier designs from this label (<a href="http://pintuckstyle.blogspot.com/2013/11/davidow-early-1960s-couture-suits.html"><b>see previous Davidow post HERE)</b></a>. I also have an earlier post on RBW, the sign-off for Count Rene Bouet-Wilaumez, whose illustrations during the 1930's through 1950's were a signature look for "Vogue" magazine, <a href="http://pintuckstyle.blogspot.com/2012/02/fashion-illustration-by-rbw-late-1930s.html"><b>HERE</b></a>. On Pinterest I am building a <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pintuckstyle/davidow-suits/"><b>Davidow board</b></a> with both advertisements and garment photos. <br /><br />Elsewhere online you can find Davidow posts at "The Vintage Traveler" <a href="http://thevintagetraveler.wordpress.com/2013/12/02/1960s-suit-by-davidow/"><b>HERE</b></a> and at "Past Perfect Vintage" <a href="http://pastperfectvintage.blogspot.com/2009/06/bouquet-of-davidow.html"><b>HERE</b></a>.

1944 RBW Fashion Illustration: Davidow Suits

This ink wash fashion illustration is by RBW and shows Davidow suits for winter, 1944. The signature Davidow soft tailoring is already in e...

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Fall Fashion, 1949: Claire McCardell does Tartan Plaids

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg90zyinHwPVXmz7OIcm-7vnaNtLtVXLKEsVwtsP0i8xhdwcGXPOHcTtHxePY9OMrQQtdV28TwwvGXo-gnpkwQfv_fOMFjnEHJQfzvLt-r5Avtk1-DnoQVW0ww_W82co6u4a969372pYkSZ/s1600/IMG_7072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg90zyinHwPVXmz7OIcm-7vnaNtLtVXLKEsVwtsP0i8xhdwcGXPOHcTtHxePY9OMrQQtdV28TwwvGXo-gnpkwQfv_fOMFjnEHJQfzvLt-r5Avtk1-DnoQVW0ww_W82co6u4a969372pYkSZ/s640/IMG_7072.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br />Taking a look back to the fall of 1949, fashion of the late 1940s was showing dramatic and inventive silhouettes that followed Dior's New Look. American designers such as Claire McCardell would see a huge rise in their fashion star as the post war economies allowed for greater experimentation and design creativity than had been possible during the war years.<br /><br />Back to school fall fashions have always included plaids in the mix. Warm wool plaids would appear in the fall magazine issues that hit newstands during the hottest weeks of late summer, providing the reader with an exciting change from hot weather wear.<br /><br />While the classic, preppy kilt and other plaid skirts seemed to dominate, there have always been those who explore plaids just a bit further. Case in point: Claire McCardell's knife pleated plaid dress on the left with push up sleeves and a dramatic shawl collar (Miron worsted wool, $59.95 at Lord & Taylor). On the right is a dress designed by Dorothy Cox. Her design shows a traditional plaid made up as a wonderful cape collar over a circular skirt ($55 at Henri Bendel). Both are from the fall of 1949, when skirts were wide, hems longer, and gorgeous textiles were becoming more plentiful. These would be the seed of style for the next decade to come, the 1950s fashion silhouette.<br /><br /><br />

Fall Fashion, 1949: Claire McCardell does Tartan Plaids

Taking a look back to the fall of 1949, fashion of the late 1940s was showing dramatic and inventive silhouettes that followed Dior's Ne...

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Vintage Party Ideas for Your New Year's Eve

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJlYWnvOn3lMmqHrRiqav86tk1PfDMrO72UG3Nq5NjUaq9ZBRlRRBzG3ayDitNFjEofhI81IQoeGJRCLyHu1RL7i4ebvmy479tBlpBXAgDF1ud1ednCLMZxkLOj0zmCBUgairVVWv_mbBG/s1600/Australian+Home+Journal.+gowns%252C+1950s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJlYWnvOn3lMmqHrRiqav86tk1PfDMrO72UG3Nq5NjUaq9ZBRlRRBzG3ayDitNFjEofhI81IQoeGJRCLyHu1RL7i4ebvmy479tBlpBXAgDF1ud1ednCLMZxkLOj0zmCBUgairVVWv_mbBG/s400/Australian+Home+Journal.+gowns%252C+1950s.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUWcnJqlrVDvDBXXpJVmb49VhVknyCX1kYerxw7XxJ9qjGhPq-kpxoqAfCGNUuher_HRFSEjvs72weJ7WBb05rNK66QcOI_xrX3y-v5oCrWFLtxmeD1YdTuofKbGihxcdVqR4y72r-id0/s1600/Australian+Home+Journal.+1949+gowns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUWcnJqlrVDvDBXXpJVmb49VhVknyCX1kYerxw7XxJ9qjGhPq-kpxoqAfCGNUuher_HRFSEjvs72weJ7WBb05rNK66QcOI_xrX3y-v5oCrWFLtxmeD1YdTuofKbGihxcdVqR4y72r-id0/s400/Australian+Home+Journal.+1949+gowns.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br><br><b>Here's to more wonderful VINTAGE in your New Year!</b><br><br><a href="http://archive.org/details/australhomejour49homerich"><i>Fashion pages from Australian Home Journal, 1949 and 1951</i></a>

Vintage Party Ideas for Your New Year's Eve

Here's to more wonderful VINTAGE in your New Year! Fashion pages from Australian Home Journal, 1949 and 1951

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Let's Talk About: Mood Boards

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMoC-oXCFf3HGRm4ymWCUewYV_8e9BDqm5k_6LLIPwy6wVKOptEfGuMrMvh9C3OPK1WjJLOI97ACjPemBWToAMKq22sft3n32MVCAvbdYP_8qpC5dSnG7Qadbwb0DMrDGJPu-5FFRGSpSh/s1600/1948%252Cmarch.Pintucks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMoC-oXCFf3HGRm4ymWCUewYV_8e9BDqm5k_6LLIPwy6wVKOptEfGuMrMvh9C3OPK1WjJLOI97ACjPemBWToAMKq22sft3n32MVCAvbdYP_8qpC5dSnG7Qadbwb0DMrDGJPu-5FFRGSpSh/s400/1948%252Cmarch.Pintucks.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br><br>It looks like summer is winding down. Not that the weather is changing, but September is almost here, and those leisure free days are at a premium. It's time to start thinking about dressing again: wearing more than a brief dress and flip-flops. <br><br>This wonderful photo of the 1940's "New Look" is so inspiring. It's a "Vogue" cover from 1948, and so much of what we see here is on trend for the coming year. The overtones of gray, the slightly Victorian air to her look, the vintage mirror and cool men's hat, gloves and umbrella all tie this theme together. <br><br>Why not make a mood board showing a current fashion trend you like. Start by gathering up photos of inspirations, colors, fabrics and trims to create a design direction for your own 'look' or wardrobe. It's fun to start with a photo you like, then bring in elements that support the look you are going for. <br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4FW6J2N-oVJyGZgwStyCUiKrd0vPYdzT8TKM2cmaZGRCS5oAtIT3ILR1t8-zyjRSeLg49is1LVWIh7_scHr_IKNRSqkY21dli_neNgqalTlcyHHVgm_SlQdSZj0_rZx7yxT3H-rFfL8j/s1600/Mood+Board.+1948.+gray.descrip..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4FW6J2N-oVJyGZgwStyCUiKrd0vPYdzT8TKM2cmaZGRCS5oAtIT3ILR1t8-zyjRSeLg49is1LVWIh7_scHr_IKNRSqkY21dli_neNgqalTlcyHHVgm_SlQdSZj0_rZx7yxT3H-rFfL8j/s400/Mood+Board.+1948.+gray.descrip..jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br><br>Here is the original 1948 photo with my fashion inspiration from it. I used current color and style trends to put this together. I found the coat design at <a href="http://butterick.mccall.com/b5824-products-27972.php?page_id=872">Butterick 5824</a> This coat is a new retro style designed by blogger Gertie. The wonderful soft orange-red tea rose is from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/99111530/soft-and-sweet-orange-red-mix-organza?ga_search_query=red">FairytailFlower</a> on Etsy. The jewelry photos are of vintage pearls, necklaces and other accessories that helped me to visualize this 'look'. I also included a velveteen swatch in black to complete the design direction. <br><br>Mood boards are an important part of the design room. They help to show everyone involved the 'story' or 'concept' for a single item or a whole line. This is a perfect example of non-verbal communication. Originally these were created from magazines and newspapers, but as digital media has grown, so has the available image pool. More designers are using digital technologies to create their mood boards. The added bonus is that these can be easily sent by email or text, and can be printed up when several copies are needed. <br><br>While Adobe Photoshop is more commonly known, other technologies such as PowerPoint can be used to compile a mood board. To use PowerPoint, simple create your collage on a single slide. You can even add print. Save this image as a jpg, rather than a PowerPoint presentation and you can use this in your own work, blogs and other media. <br><br><br><i>This original article on mood boards is part 5 of a series on fashion design that are posted here at Pintucks. The contents of this article are the intellectual property of this blog. Please do not copy any content to another blog or digital media without contacting me first. I will ask that you link back to this article and give reference to this source within your feature. If you are using content for a research paper or project, please link back to this page in the traditional academic format, thank you!</i>

Let's Talk About: Mood Boards

It looks like summer is winding down. Not that the weather is changing, but September is almost here, and those leisure free days are at a ...

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Fashion Illustration by RBW, late 1930's or 1940's

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9jIqGzGcpeZmKpKkj4yKTc_JuiQeFuSBQgjIIGLHkMV7Ew39r0cNGDpoZhqBR9aIJaWujtDYLPXHQn4TYn_kQo_wItMX92sUEKANgGRtM9wS_DoaFVc0neIdpPKrtGnzmRcd9d_oXe7B/s1600/IMG_9792.JPG"><img alt="RBW fashion illustration" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703145864618031538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9jIqGzGcpeZmKpKkj4yKTc_JuiQeFuSBQgjIIGLHkMV7Ew39r0cNGDpoZhqBR9aIJaWujtDYLPXHQn4TYn_kQo_wItMX92sUEKANgGRtM9wS_DoaFVc0neIdpPKrtGnzmRcd9d_oXe7B/s400/IMG_9792.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 450px; height: 600px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskD3NAgTzg0TVKE2HPN6MnkUX75wLQ5QsbH0kQS9hfmwtBdJiKNPi9VnOIUK0u36s6DugLEnJ8_YjiPEH3paYLutJUT1QUp9gU0Umn_nqcNH_Bkxktfihdf9qUKTk-0WpVOBp5RKwBdfx/s1600/IMG_9791.JPG"><img alt="RBW fashion illustration" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703145729502378706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskD3NAgTzg0TVKE2HPN6MnkUX75wLQ5QsbH0kQS9hfmwtBdJiKNPi9VnOIUK0u36s6DugLEnJ8_YjiPEH3paYLutJUT1QUp9gU0Umn_nqcNH_Bkxktfihdf9qUKTk-0WpVOBp5RKwBdfx/s400/IMG_9791.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 450px; height: 600px;" /></a>"RBW" is the signature for Count Rene Bouet-Wilaumez whose illustrations during the 1930's through 1950's were a signature look for "Vogue" magazine. He would become popular both in advertising and editorials commissioned to support written magazine articles.<br /><br />RBW used pen and ink to create the look he was known for. Often brush strokes are seen along with both color and ink washes. Like most illustrators, he used live models wearing the gowns as he worked. Hence, his textile work is gorgeous, such as the drapery seen in the illustration shown here.

Fashion Illustration by RBW, late 1930's or 1940's

"RBW" is the signature for Count Rene Bouet-Wilaumez whose illustrations during the 1930's through 1950's were a signature...

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Balenciaga in San Francisco: the de Young exhibition

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2hxfJieQQbyO_Gxzqo1dmtgwKhTPAkpPE7m2cZbkI-rmaIBm2etCioCVlwsh53JslShDtJQFc69twa5NnmF7SkaSdMEIZVRfLVe0fUDoo-lL6fFjDUiKRDPvG7mgXvZz-4Fw3mtWp5XX/s1600/Slide1.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Balenciaga" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589513850287316258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2hxfJieQQbyO_Gxzqo1dmtgwKhTPAkpPE7m2cZbkI-rmaIBm2etCioCVlwsh53JslShDtJQFc69twa5NnmF7SkaSdMEIZVRfLVe0fUDoo-lL6fFjDUiKRDPvG7mgXvZz-4Fw3mtWp5XX/s400/Slide1.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 497px; height: 600px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZR7mQpU2Kcj0sOqnwmdB9DxBTIA6eqN3pa6qLaAWGpcMscpTor7vms8iH4HfuXO9vca1_zyDjcZJS7rNsJR3joHp9e4hPw0VjiFBEibjyx1jE3AsR6hHi3y0NpeFiCFYGmvnNKiGR3u6/s1600/Slide2.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="Balenciaga" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589513784239197458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkZR7mQpU2Kcj0sOqnwmdB9DxBTIA6eqN3pa6qLaAWGpcMscpTor7vms8iH4HfuXO9vca1_zyDjcZJS7rNsJR3joHp9e4hPw0VjiFBEibjyx1jE3AsR6hHi3y0NpeFiCFYGmvnNKiGR3u6/s400/Slide2.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 348px;" /></a>We were in San Francisco this weekend for the "Balenciaga and Spain" opening lecture and symposium at the de Young museum. This exhibition is nothing short of fabulous! All of his cast of characters are present, some are like these familiar photos: old friends. Other pieces are new to public viewing. What makes the collection so special is the presentation of his work, from the mid-years focus on embellishment into his later explorations on form and drape.<br /> <br />The lectures helped to pull the theme together, noting the inspiration he took from Spanish apparel and regional costume. With a career that spanned most of the mid-years of the 20th century, it is interesting to view his transition in silhouette and texture, while retaining a singular viewpoint: that of a Spaniard in the world of couture.<br /><br />This is an exhibition not to be missed by anyone who values the history of fashion, couture and pattern design.<br /><br />The de Young press release with a summary of the exhibition: <a href="http://deyoung.famsf.org/pressroom/pressreleases/balenciaga-and-spain-opens-march-26-2011-de-young-museum-san-francisco"><span style="font-weight:bold;">HERE</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Balenciaga-Spain-Hamish-Bowles/dp/0847836460/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Exhibition catalog</span><br /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://fora.tv/conference/Balenciaga_and_Spain"><span style="font-weight:bold;">VIEW the Symposium lecture (there is a short Preview available)</span></a>

Balenciaga in San Francisco: the de Young exhibition

We were in San Francisco this weekend for the "Balenciaga and Spain" opening lecture and symposium at the de Young museum. This e...

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1940's Hawaiian styles and Lauren Bacall

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYB8jaPNgtMJrxtjTQO3LnXgFOktoufi4ajIK3uo1_FjV2sf2ay4jTypDaouQ8OWnoUkFbuHb_FtHmr7voRA0U3RUxCYN6tJDE49M4OAZkMXggdf1xyjemZyJ8os670gB2qLzT6mA-_JYv/s1600/Slide5.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504539110671935522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYB8jaPNgtMJrxtjTQO3LnXgFOktoufi4ajIK3uo1_FjV2sf2ay4jTypDaouQ8OWnoUkFbuHb_FtHmr7voRA0U3RUxCYN6tJDE49M4OAZkMXggdf1xyjemZyJ8os670gB2qLzT6mA-_JYv/s400/Slide5.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-style:italic;">Audree Gay Creations, California, c. late 1930's through 1940's</span><br /><br />I saw the Alfred Shaheen exhibit of Hawaiian fashions recently and it brought to mind this sultry gown in an aloha print fabric. The fashion styling blends a bit of Pacific sarong skirt with a mainland cowl neck top. A flash of midriff is seen between the skirt and cropped top that is held in place by the insertion of a center front tab, attaching the skirt to bodice. This cocktail or evening style would have been a sensation on the dance floor of the WWII era ball room or private patio party. <br /><br />It is made from a fine navy blue rayon crepe with white floral design, to immitate the better Japanese kabe crepe that was first imported and later inspired the Hawaiian tropicals of the 1930's and 1940's pre-war years.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7Gp8vD80_rc6Xu3DyaCnqdslt3TbR9ePf_crkgg_UCRwKpsu3Z0Rd4daWtay25KGXzeJtcnZAG1gWHHkIu_b2GwnOrnkfPc07XujLpcyOR_K6pzO7ovdk2ijpEeqI_BQKghhZmUqfmvs/s1600/lauren+bacall.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504543860444404770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7Gp8vD80_rc6Xu3DyaCnqdslt3TbR9ePf_crkgg_UCRwKpsu3Z0Rd4daWtay25KGXzeJtcnZAG1gWHHkIu_b2GwnOrnkfPc07XujLpcyOR_K6pzO7ovdk2ijpEeqI_BQKghhZmUqfmvs/s400/lauren+bacall.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 304px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">To Have and Have Not,1944, Lauren Bacall, designer Milo Anderson (1910-1984) </span><br /><br />The aloha print rayon dress is similar to a sleek version of the same style by Milo Anderson for Lauren Bacall in 1944. Her sarong skirt and midriff top are linked (literally) by a metal ring: a style that would take fire in the 1970's. Her top is more artfully custom draped, but the overall sense of style is still the same: bared midriff with a tropical front draped skirt.<br /><br />It is interesting that this flattering style is so seldom seen in fashion. The concept is a perfect example of 'less is more' when it comes to body exposure!<br /><br /><a class="twitter-share-button" data-count="vertical" data-via="Pintucks" href="http://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>

1940's Hawaiian styles and Lauren Bacall

Audree Gay Creations, California, c. late 1930's through 1940's I saw the Alfred Shaheen exhibit of Hawaiian fashions recently and i...

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House Dresses: Fashion at home, cottony and cute

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDAKLESvfK63SXJCcQ6ydpdhQBlpXv_bIkfgv_juTja_FDkqMr6g8ujD5IsYnE5kAUvvZK4YRAVotrhnh0lw6tzyslCj021t9083t5xF38o6pIwyW2bUmkJu1ieHNYG0rg8clBLys9Ddx/s1600-h/housedress,+dec.28.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365216250291351394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDAKLESvfK63SXJCcQ6ydpdhQBlpXv_bIkfgv_juTja_FDkqMr6g8ujD5IsYnE5kAUvvZK4YRAVotrhnh0lw6tzyslCj021t9083t5xF38o6pIwyW2bUmkJu1ieHNYG0rg8clBLys9Ddx/s400/housedress,+dec.28.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 201px; height: 400px;" /></a>A stepchild of fashion, the humble house dress has been worn in one form or another for centuries. When women's fashionable gowns were silk, this was even more so. Wearing 'wash dresses' of cotton calico allowed mothers and maids to get their chores done, while wearing something cool, comfortable, and easy to launder. The sketch here is from 1928 and shows a simple to sew house dress pattern at a time when home sewing was on the upswing in a growing suburban culture.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UD6s8zbuYH59_wQ2ZEKpKUTn0hx7EysyhUPayADV3I2i02labKUiwaNBrkY77e2k9AZ49wycnKu51lhSR2ntF7YkVotnZ4Q4XS8tLrv4wxWLIrT3BNDA17fGBr4B9XXMfgH9W2PTOYY7/s1600-h/P7260092.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365216573138153122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UD6s8zbuYH59_wQ2ZEKpKUTn0hx7EysyhUPayADV3I2i02labKUiwaNBrkY77e2k9AZ49wycnKu51lhSR2ntF7YkVotnZ4Q4XS8tLrv4wxWLIrT3BNDA17fGBr4B9XXMfgH9W2PTOYY7/s400/P7260092.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Following World War II, a flood of changes affected fashion. The availability of fabrics, both natural and synthetic soared. Add to this the availability of the zipper. This innovation had become popular in apparel during the 1930's, but the war years put a stop to that. After the war, the zipper became a 'must have' element in all apparel. During the late 1940's and through the 1950's, zipper use was at an all time high, as women happily abandoned their buttons for the convenience of a zipper. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=28681004">This house dress</a> pictured above <a href="http://www.etsy.com/search_results_shop.php?search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_6215531&search_query=house+dress"></a>of cotton calico sports a sweetheart neckline and pockets edged in looped trim. A long center front zipper is set between full length rows of tiny pintucks (label: Nip'N'Tuck).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsM-u54uT9pjh0cB-12dcC5QIDXKtGdqiJVaabcuuzuirK3zNhhZ3sCutqeqY0fN-NpOpAYSnE4yUozGFTIAataUHJZv4ufGR-8a0jmIdguKiuiwpZTcl_I8nQxqOsNRV39E5PXRpRgRg2/s1600-h/P7250026.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365219672715541026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsM-u54uT9pjh0cB-12dcC5QIDXKtGdqiJVaabcuuzuirK3zNhhZ3sCutqeqY0fN-NpOpAYSnE4yUozGFTIAataUHJZv4ufGR-8a0jmIdguKiuiwpZTcl_I8nQxqOsNRV39E5PXRpRgRg2/s400/P7250026.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 216px; height: 400px;" /></a>House dresses changed from being softly fit to becoming more fashion aware during the 1950's and 60's. The sporty rust red version shown here is by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28685312">"Swirl"</a>. This wrapped house dress has huge patch pockets embellished with large appliques of fruit, veggies and kitchen kitch. The back wraps around and snaps at the waistband for a great flexible fit.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzT_4XDLJws9W5AxszwizXFS3Kg1aTLFHHPSQ2P6TF_n6CkMAcif5XYj9FdXNbhH66exAd5jCB_60LhkSh7smKXLqKG2kiJFS1nY3UG8V8s1GbFZ6ZvKTSYgYZV-R_Qh76wnkgCo91o7s/s1600-h/P8080062.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371332379037251218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzT_4XDLJws9W5AxszwizXFS3Kg1aTLFHHPSQ2P6TF_n6CkMAcif5XYj9FdXNbhH66exAd5jCB_60LhkSh7smKXLqKG2kiJFS1nY3UG8V8s1GbFZ6ZvKTSYgYZV-R_Qh76wnkgCo91o7s/s400/P8080062.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 313px; height: 400px;" /></a><br />This cute polka dot dress is by another popular label<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29479812"> "Models Coat"</a>. Originally a cover up for fit and runway models, it has similar 'easy to wear' features as other house dresses.<br /> <br />As young women moved from dresses into pants for day wear during the late 1960's and 1970's, the house dress lost its position in the housewive's<a href="http://www.etsy.com/search_results_shop.php?search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_6215531&search_query=house+dress"></a> wardrobe. Jeans, blouses and 'T' shirts took its place to become the prefered apparel for chores and leisure activities at home.<br /><br />More on House Dresses:<br />Fuzzy Lizzie Vintage Clothing: <a href="http://fashionsfinest.fuzzylizzie.com/Swirl.html">overview of 'Swirl' house dresses</a><br />Eda Danese: <a href="http://blackburnandsweetzer.com/2009/02/03/books%E2%80%94the-house-dress-a-story-of-eroticism-and-fashion/">The House Dress</a>

House Dresses: Fashion at home, cottony and cute

A stepchild of fashion, the humble house dress has been worn in one form or another for centuries. When women's fashionable gowns were s...

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Forties Fashion: from Siren Suits to the New Look

<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span>BOOK REVIEW: Forties Fashion by Jonathan Walford<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-MLljGP9OYWfHN0uz_d3MRF67RkoZHaBRsEFC-XGVaI8c3Ltcd2u4xN2KcDSgu1W40VdlJZxUK5HuMLdbJaZgmdvprA06jvHOnx21TC2SIUkUGjAqE12CF0gCz12-RR4n2MVPookQXdH/s1600-h/Slide2.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347383674959425378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-MLljGP9OYWfHN0uz_d3MRF67RkoZHaBRsEFC-XGVaI8c3Ltcd2u4xN2KcDSgu1W40VdlJZxUK5HuMLdbJaZgmdvprA06jvHOnx21TC2SIUkUGjAqE12CF0gCz12-RR4n2MVPookQXdH/s400/Slide2.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />"Forties Fashion" is a comprehensive look at woman's fashion trends during the 1940's in Europe, Canada, and the U.S. More than just a fashion picture book, the content covers the era, with well chosen images from popular media.<br /><br />There are many actual garments shown carefully displayed on white figures. This choice brings a sense of validity to the work, setting it aside from other recent texts where historical fashions are displayed on living models with a great degree of inaccuracy and amateur styling. Garments here are shown with accessories to give a better silhouette of the period.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2X4YuzZ-PZU1gRejGJaEg7Bzizitu-qx8Tr9OSgHMZ0Nu77TTf-tXMLWxA-jdySbHBCY871uwiY0E68_v3NuNLk69oH2tbWbtmPl74KOqm-W0uDWJGLzCp7zDf4eUG2dReHazRLjXNlzc/s1600-h/Slide1.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347383802754947234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2X4YuzZ-PZU1gRejGJaEg7Bzizitu-qx8Tr9OSgHMZ0Nu77TTf-tXMLWxA-jdySbHBCY871uwiY0E68_v3NuNLk69oH2tbWbtmPl74KOqm-W0uDWJGLzCp7zDf4eUG2dReHazRLjXNlzc/s400/Slide1.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic97Wo_erJD_PoVoqWL9jVKU-HpJgSSFa8EY8GloDMQkMWfU4jxdM0dmMe9bniVZL4QUfdGBceXA-Z-Ze5kWQyXiq62LLl53WRcPSAT2AkTxMF-f7q8ELcN4ZWCqEOhBDFfVl6U7KZIwZg/s1600-h/Slide3.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347384006518055922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic97Wo_erJD_PoVoqWL9jVKU-HpJgSSFa8EY8GloDMQkMWfU4jxdM0dmMe9bniVZL4QUfdGBceXA-Z-Ze5kWQyXiq62LLl53WRcPSAT2AkTxMF-f7q8ELcN4ZWCqEOhBDFfVl6U7KZIwZg/s400/Slide3.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />Most important is the wide scope of apparel shown and discussed, making this a necessary part of any costumer, vintage collector or fashion student's library. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;">Forties Fashion: from Siren Suits to the New Look</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"></span><span style="font-weight:bold;">Author: Jonathan Walford</span><br /><br />2008, by Thames & Hudson<br />250 illustrations, 196 in color<br />208 pages, with Bibliography, Index

Forties Fashion: from Siren Suits to the New Look

BOOK REVIEW: Forties Fashion by Jonathan Walford "Forties Fashion" is a comprehensive look at woman's fashion trends during th...

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