Wartime Fashion: From Haute Couture to Homemade, 1939-1945A comprehensive analysis of Second World War dress practice and appearance, this study places dress at the forefront of a complex series of cultural chain reactions. As lives were changed by the conditions of war, dress continued to reflect important visual narratives regarding class, gender and taste that would impact significantly on public consciousness of equality, fairness and morale. Using new archival and primary source evidence, Wartime Fashion clarifies how and why clothing was rationed, and repositions style and design during the war in relation to past expectations and ideas about clothes and fabrics. The book explores the impact of war on the dress and appearance of civilian women of all classes in the context of changing social and economic infrastructures created by the national emergency. The varied research elements combined in this book form a rounded and definitive account of the dress history of British women during the Second World War. This is essential reading for anyone with an active interest in the field, whether personal or professional. |
Contents
The Healthy Body and the Politics of Fitness | |
Evacuation | |
The Utility Clothing Scheme | |
Assessing the Impact of Clothes Rationing | |
Home Front Clothing Initiatives | |
Clothes for Coupons | |
Good Health and Natural Beauty | |
Utility and Austerity | |
Conclusion | |
Notes | |
Other editions - View all
Wartime Fashion: From Haute Couture to Homemade, 1939-1945 Geraldine Howell No preview available - 2013 |
Wartime Fashion: From Haute Couture to Homemade, 1939-1945 Geraldine Howell No preview available - 2012 |
Common terms and phrases
austerity became Board of Trade Britain British War Economy buying Chapter Civil Industry civilian classes cloth and clothing clothes rationing clothing and footwear clothing industry Clothing Quiz coat consumer continued cost-of-living index cotton coupons created Drapers evacuation fabric femininity Figure garments Hancock and Gowing Hargreaves and Gowing high street HMSO home front Ibid Imperial War Museum Industry and Trade June knitting limited London look M-OA TC manufacturers Marks & Spencer Marks and Spencer Mass Observation Ministry of Information Miniver non-Utility Norman Hartnell November overalls People’s phoney war Picture Post pre-war production range rayon reflected reported restrictions retailers revealed Second World Second World War second-hand sectors September 1939 shoes shops siren suit skirt slacks social specific standard stockings style suggested suit supplies tailored textiles Titmus trousers uniform Utility Cloth Vogue wardrobe wartime wholesalers woman women women’s wear wool Wray