Fashion
Even with the challenges imposed by shortages in rayon, nylon, wool, leather, rubber, metal (for snaps, buckles, and embellishments) and even the amount of fabric that could be used in any one garment, the fashion industry's wheels kept chugging slowly along, producing what it could.
After the fall of France in 1940, Hollywood drove fashion in the United States almost entirely, with the exception of a few trends coming from war torn London in 1944 and 1945, as America's own rationing hit full force, and the idea of function seemed to overtake fashion, if only for a few short months until the end of the war. Fabrics shifted dramatically as rationing and wartime shortages controlled import items such as silk and furs. Floral prints seem to dominate the early 1940's, with the mid-to-late 1940's also seeing what is sometimes referred to as "atomic prints" or geometric patterns and shapes. The color of fashion seemed to even go to war, with patriotic nautical themes and dark greens and khakis dominating the color palettes, as trousers and wedges slowly replaced the dresses and more traditional heels due to shortages in stockings and gasoline. |
Considering how traditional things were in the 1940's, it may be hard to believe that men were so daring and experimental with their fashion choices. Whether opting to wear Hawaiian shirts, Zoot Suits, hats or hand-painted ties, men took fashion risks that paid off. The result was stylish, tailored and fabulous.
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