A Historical Look: Fashion Before and After a Global Crisis
FASHION AND WWII
Fashion did not stop when World War II was declared. Paris collections shown after the start of the war emphasized practical clothes designed with an eye for beauty. Utilitarian coats, trouser suits, zipper front jumpsuits, and print cotton dresses were cut with a smart look and a sense of style.
The rationing of materials used in garment production introduced simplicity. Hemlines rose, decorative elements disappeared, and a classic style emerged.
Nylon and wool were needed by the military, and Japanese silk was banned after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Rayon, a synthetic fabric developed in the 1930s, became the material most often used during the war. Wool was needed for military blankets, so designers came up with wool blends composed of recycled wool and rayon. The fabric was versatile, did not wrinkle or shrink, and was produced in light and heavy weights.
Jumpsuits, a totally new innovation, were designed 100% for practicality. They could be put on quickly in emergencies. They were warm and comfortable and featured deep pockets for papers and valuables.
As men left to fight on the front lines, women went to work. Trousers became a staple of the women who were employed in factories. As a result, women's trousers eventually gained acceptance for casual wear, for work at home, and for working in the garden. But when actress Katherine Hepburn appeared in several films wearing elegant trousers, they became a popular garment choice for women and not just a practical one.
POST-WAR FASHION
In February 1947, with the war over, Christian Dior introduced his New Look, a style shocking for some and thrilling for others. Skirt hemlines were long and dresses were made with tons of fabric. With wide brimmed hats and tight, nipped-in waists, women now resembled Southern belles or the "ladies" of the 1800s. The new feminine silhouette emphasized an hourglass figure and a new extravagance denied to women during the war years.
As you see, life went on between air raids, during the Occupation, and after back-breaking factory work.Through it all, women and men still looked in the mirror. Where hope existed, so did fashion.
"WHERE DO WE GO NOW?"
By now, you have settled into your Work & Play from Home wardrobe. "But where will we go from here?" you ask. The BU Style team participates in fashion industry webinars, we conduct our own research, and we pour through historical and forecasting trend analysis. Not unlike the "talking heads" out there who expound on the future of travel, politics, entertainment, etcetera etcetera, we, too, have our "crystal ball" into the future. But in reality, who really knows what will be in terms of style post–COVID-19?
In regards to fashion, at least initially post–COVID, perhaps you will want to wear a pink cocktail dress to the grocery store. Perhaps you will pick up the children from school in a three-piece suit. Perhaps you will stay in your favorite tracksuit for brunch with friends. Perhaps jeans and a white T will be your go-to for date nights.
So here is OUR advice to you. We have all been locked in our homes for a few months now. If style and clothing is not your focus now, we give you permission to allow what you wear to take a backseat to what you will do and who you will do it with once we are finally set free. When it's time, let's promise to take the time to enjoy the outdoors and, more important, to enjoy each other.
We will be here for you whenever it is YOUR time to make wardrobe plans. During this unprecedented time, remember to Be You always; it's who we love the most.