Red carpet looks in this set take inspiration from the movie star glamour of the Forties. Rita Hayworth as Gilda is the epitome of sex appeal, the essence of which, even Jessica Rabbit had to borrow. Silhouettes are long (just add curves) and vintage bling with estate aesthetics add punch while a peacock clutch lends a touch of fantasy as a tribute to an era that obsessed over intricate accessories.
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Femmes in the Forties were absolutely all about the shoulders, the waist, and the narrow hips. Dynamic dresses and suits, structured or otherwise were de rigeur, and considering the amount of food rationed to every woman in a week, it is no wonder that those silhouettes came about. For a modern Forties Femme look, try sharp dresses in softer fabrics such as jersey, with popsicle-coloured accessories to contrast. Add feathers and red lipstick for drama, taking the lead from burlesque superstar, Dita Von Teese.
Apart from the long silhouettes - draping and pleating were also prevalent elements in Forties style, not forgetting the shoulder accents. The day suit gets sharper with details such as peaked shoulders, drapes, pleats, and again, a fresh pop of colour.
The Forties also gave birth to the wedge heel, the kangaroo cloak and last but not least - the Siren Suit, a protective garment worn over one's clothes in the event that the siren goes off, and one has to head for the basement. Made chic by designers and popular by personalities such as Winston Churchill, the siren suit marked the birth of the jumpsuit. Who'd have thought that disco began way back in the forties?
A siren suit, or jumpsuit, by Italian label Enzo, in Legler stretch velvet cord, circa WW2.
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