Chapter 3

40's

The World War II puts the fashion in a second thought. The raw materials are difficult to be found because they are used as the war's equipment. The cost of the fabrics is really high, and rayon appears as a more affordable idea. Fashion takes its military and strictly look. The shoulders are accented with wadding, not only in suits but also in dresses. All these until 1947, when Christian Dior makes his revolution and creates the New Look. The basic silhouette, known as Line A, is conical, giving emphasize in the waist, with natural shoulders, while skirt's length starts from the middle of the knee. The fabrics that are used are taffeta, velvet, satin and muslin. For first time came to light the patterns and the prêt-à-porter. 

LOOKS

The klos skirts with length some inches above the knee. There is the domination of small prints and the black-white. Dresses that are fastened in the waist, dresses with accented waist and paddings in the shoulders. Blouses that have the shirts' shape, androgynous suits, tight and straight skirt which are suited with tiny sweaters. 

ACCESSORIES

Big hats, hats with voile made by nets or laces and berets. Gloves and bags that are hanging from the shoulders. Shoes that are sandals with thick heels or double soles that worn with short socks. Pins are also in fashion. 

BEAUTY

MAKE-UP. The eyebrows are natural but also accented, light mascara, lip pencil and lips in soft pink shades. In addition, women painted their legs just to give the sence that they were wearing tights and also they painted the seams at the back of their legs with a black pencil. 

HAIR

Hair's lenght is up to shoulders, with wavy shape or in chignon bun. 

DESIGNERS

Cristobal Balenciaga, Pierre Balmain, Jacques Fath, Jean Desses.

  

IDOLS

Rita Hayworth, Ingrid Bergman, Bette Davis, Veronika Lake, Lana Turner, Judy Garland, Lauren Bacall, Ava Gardner.

  Veronica Lake (1922-1973) 

  

Some of her films: Soronity House (1939-her first film), Young As You Feel (1940), I Wanted Wings (1941), Hold That Blonde (1945), Flesh Feast (1970-her last one).  ....etc

  Rita Hayworth (Margarita Carmen Cansino-her real name) 

(1918-1987)

Some of her films: Dante's Inferno (1935-her first film as Cansino), Charlie Chan in Egypt (1935), Rebellion (1936), Trouble in Texas (1937)... You'll Never Get Rich (1941-her first film as Hayworth), Show Business at War (1943), Gilda (1946), The Wrath of Gold (1972-her last one).  .....etc