Great innovations in fashion were seen during the Depression despite the economic hardships of the time. The abbreviated, linear forms of the 1920s quickly gave way to sinuous shapes and longer hemlines. Waistlines returned to the natural position, while remaining relaxed in fit. Designers experimented with new cuts and new materials. For evening, the bias cut gown was favored (as created by Madeleine Vionnet) in silk velvet or silk satin. Synthetic fabrics such as rayon and nylon were in common use for everyday garments.
After 1935, zippers were employed as a more efficient alternative to labor-intensive hook-and-eye closures. Indeed, in the hands of prestigious houses such as Schiaparelli they became design elements. Costume jewelry, popularized by Chanel’s signature faux pearl strands, became an accessory staple. By 1938, small shoulder pads had become fashionable, heralding the shoulder emphasis of the 1940s. This, in spite of the Depression, was another grand era for Haute Couture. Lanvin, Molyneux, Mainbocher, Patou and Maggy Rouff all had active fashion houses as did Vionnet, Chanel and Schiaparelli.
The movies influenced how women dressed and what they thought about fashion.
It was not uncommon for designers such as Gilbert Adrian and Irene to make their names in Hollywood’s film industry. Women clamoured to look like their screen idols. This desire prompted many Hollywood couturiers to produce clothing for the mass market via department stores or their own collections. The Hollywood phenomenon also spread to Europe. Exemplified by the white satin bias cut dresses as worn by Jean Harlow, the Hollywood look featured dramatic lines that played best to camera. The full length garden party dress with picture hat, the striking wool suit with portrait fur collar, the grand negligee – these were all part of the Hollywood in the 1930s look as well.
Written by The Vintage Fashion Guild
Next 1940 to 1950
Back Fashion Timeline
1930s pink satin gown
Courtesy of pastperfectvintage.com
1930s satin crepe & sequins gown
Courtesy of noblesavagevintage.com
1930s satin bias cut gown
Courtesy of vivavintageclothing.com
1930s velvet & ostrich dressing gown
Courtesy of noblesavagevintage.com
1930s lace evening gown
Courtesy of specialsomethings
1930s Lucien Lelong silk tulle gown
Courtesy of vintagetextile.com
1930s Jean Carol dress
Courtesy of denisebrain
1930s crepe gown
Courtesy of poppysvintageclothing
1930s sheer party dress
Courtesy of pinkyagogo
1930s sheer patterned dress
Courtesy of pinkyagogo
1930s satin evening gown
Courtesy of vivavintageclothing.com
1930s satin gown
Courtesy of pinkyagogo
1930s satin cocktail dress
Courtesy of vivavintageclothing.com
1930s velvet & chinchilla gown
Courtesy of pinkyagogo
1930s print dress
Courtesy of denisebrain
1930s lace suit
Courtesy of denisebrain
1930s organdy floral dress
Courtesy of denisebrain
1930s tweed wool suit
Courtesy of leonardodavintage
1930s silk boudoir jacket
Courtesy of thespectrum
1930s silk panties
Courtesy of thesectrum
1930s dress clip
Courtesy of linnscollection
1930s dress clips
Courtesy of linnscollection
1930s celluloid bib necklace
Courtesy of cur.iovintage
1930s bakelite & celluloid necklace
Courtesy of linnscollection
1930s potmetal plastic fruit salad bracelet
Courtesy of linnscollection
1930s bracelet
Courtesy of linnscollection
1930s French cuff bracelet
Courtesy of vivavintageclothing.com
1930s bakelite bangle bracelet
Courtesy of thespectrum
1930s enamelled pot metal & rhinestone brooch
Courtesy of cur.iovintage
1930s beaded fabric & celluloid purse
Courtesy of cur.iovintage
1930s Bovio Modes satin hat
Courtesy of thespectrum
1930s satin mules
Courtesy of cur.iovintage
1930s Parkway satin strappy dance shoes
Courtesy of thespectrum
1930s deco suede shoes
Courtesy of thespectrum
1930s Spectator shoes
Courtesy of magsragsvintage
1930s sheared beaver 'chubby' jacket
Courtesy of poppysvintageclothing
1930s lounger
Courtesy of magsragsvintage
1930 lamé & velvet coat
Courtesy of poppysvintageclothing
1930 Burberry country suit
Courtesy of pastperfectvintage.com
1930 ostrich skin bag
Courtesy of Leonardodavintage
1933 chiffon print dress
Courtesy of pastperfectvintage.com
early 1930s Worth of Boston velvet & ermine hat
Courtesy of ruedelapaix
early 1930s Simon Rubin straw hat
Courtesy cur.iovintage
early 1930s silk velvet jacket
Courtesy of denisebrain
early 1930s Henry Morgan Co coat
Courtesy of themerchantsofvintage
early 1930s silk piano shawl
Courtesy of fallsavenuevintage
early 1930s Czech topaz glass & brass necklace
Courtesy of cur.iovintage
1934 deep plum velvet evening dress
Courtesy of antiquedress.com
1935 velvet & lace dress
Courtesy of pastperfectvintage.com
1935 printed silk lounging pajamas
Courtesy of pastperfectvintage.com
1935 print chiffon dress
Courtesy of pastperfectvintage.com
1935 cotton day dress
Courtexy of coutureallurevintage.com
1937 Chanel lace gown
Courtesy of vintagetextile.com
1937 rayon print dress
Courtesy of pastperfectvintage.com
1937 wool coat
Courtesy of vivavintageclothing com
1937 fruit salad brooch
Courtesy of linnscollection
1937 KTF dress clip
Courtesy of linnscollection
late 1930s wool coat
Courtesy of vivavintageclothing.com
late 1930s Walkover shoes
Courtesy of thespectrum
late 1930s unsigned brooch
Courtesy of linnscollection
late 1930s silk evening gown
Courtesy of thespectrum
late 1930s rayon print dress
Courtesy of vivavintageclothing.com
late 1930s rayon blouse
Courtesy of vivianbellevintage
late 1930s print house dress
Courtesy of vivavintageclothing.com
late 1930s felt tall hat
Courtesy of vivavintageclothing.com
1939 print cotton gauze dress
Courtesy of denisebrain
Question or Comment? Enter it below.