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Period: to
French designs influence the US
In the US during this time it was all about the latest Paris designs and pattern books like McCall's which was bursting with patterns inspired by famous french designers. When Nazi's entered France many designers made it their job to keep the public fashionable even at the worst of times. Chanel learned that when fabric was hard to get a hold of, hats were the next best thing. Paulette famous for her turbans made it her job to use scrap materials to revolutionalize the fashion of France. -
Utility Dress
In the UK, the utility scheme was introduced in 1939 with severe restrictions on fabric use. Utility clothing bore labels like CC41 and provided affortable clothing options to people who had required a certain amount of coupons. For example 12 coupons could buy you six pairs of stockings! The 'Make and Mend' campian also encouraged women to recycle their clothes. -
The Affect of Having Less Fabric
During the 1940s and even years beofre, fashion began to uses ledd and less fabric. This created shorter skirts and tighter fitting clothing. These close fitting styles which accentuated the female silhouette brought on the change which has changed fshion into what it is today. The early 1940s fashion was dominated by the Americans which produced the 'American Look" consisting of broas shoulder pads, up-do war hairsyles, and the increased usage of makeup. -
Hairstyles of the 1940s
Just like in World War One, women tied up their hair, during World War Two however not only was it popular to to do, it was high fashion. Top Hollywood stars like Veronica Lake sported the 'Victory Roll' . Snoods were still popular after the 'Gone with the Wind' craze. Even turbans became popular amongst South Americans, in the UK, and America. -
The American Way
Many women also designed fashions to fit the war stye. A prominant name in fashion of the time was Hattie Carnagie who created versions high class european fashion for americans. She also designed the WAC (Women's Army Core) uniforms. Claire McCardell who trained under Carnagie created ready to wear fashions in mass production. She also helped influence 1940s swim and sports wear which was casual but highly chic. -
Limitation order in the US
In 1942, the US issued a similar order to the Britts called the General Limitation order L-85. Although this order was similar to the 'Make and Mend' project, the US women did not have it as hard as the British women. -
Nylon Riots
Nylon was first introduced in 1939 and quickly was in popular demand. Nylon rashioning started during WWII in order to create parachutes. Beginning in August of 1945 and lasting till March 1946, the Nylon Riots took place. Even with the rashioning nylon was still in popular demand and was even sold on the black market for up to 20 dollars per pair which was quite a hefty sum back then. Some women even painted the false nylons on with makeup and lotions.
