The 1930s may have not been an “iconic” time in the history of fashion but it was certainly a time with particular lines and shapes that are consistent in fashion today. After the shocking style of the “flapper” women in the 1930s kept lines loose and perhaps longer, with day dresses falling to half calf all the way to ankle skimming. Evening dresses were also fitted and floor length, cut to flatter a feminine body with lots of draping (similar to a fancy prom dress today). Women were also wearing trousers, although most likely on holiday. Prominent designers of the time included Lelong, Manibocher,Rochas, Lanvin, Worth, Piguet, Balenciaga, Maggy Rouff, and Alix. Major designers were Madeleline Vionnet with her delicate draping on dresses and quirky Elsa Schiaparelli with trompe l’oeil designs and bizarre prints. The 1930s definitely have an “Old Hollywood” vibe still popular with the starlets today dresses were always sophisticated yet seductive and very ladylike.
Rochas 1930
Worth 1930s
Vionnet
Balenciaga Infantada
Elsa Schiaparelli
Open backs and draping from Badgley Mischka pre fall 2012
Hourglass figure Zac Posen
John Galliano Pre fall 2012
Article by: Hadley Green
