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The Vintage Fashion Guild™ (VFG) is an international organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of vintage fashion.
The Vintage Fashion Guild™ (VFG) is an international community of people with expertise in vintage fashion. VFG members enjoy a wealth of resources, avenues for promoting their shops and specialties, and camaraderie with others who share a common interest and passion.
Great innovations in fashion were seen during the Depression despite (or perhaps because of) 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. Man-made fabrics such as rayon and acetate 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
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1930s pink satin gown
1930s satin crepe & sequins gown
1930s satin bias cut gown
1930s velvet & ostrich dressing gown
1930s lace evening gown
1930s Lucien Lelong silk tulle gown
1930s Jean Carol dress
1930s crepe gown
1930s sheer party dress
1930s sheer patterned dress
1930s satin evening gown
1930s satin gown
1930s satin cocktail dress
1930s velvet & chinchilla gown
1930s print dress
1930s lace suit
1930s organdy floral dress
1930s tweed wool suit
1930s silk boudoir jacket
1930s silk panties
1930s dress clip
1930s dress clips
1930s celluloid bib necklace
1930s bakelite & celluloid necklace
1930s potmetal plastic fruit salad bracelet
1930s bracelet
1930s French cuff bracelet
1930s bakelite bangle bracelet
1930s enamelled pot metal & rhinestone brooch
1930s beaded fabric & celluloid purse
1930s Bovio Modes satin hat
1930s satin mules
1930s Parkway satin strappy dance shoes
1930s deco suede shoes
1930s Spectator shoes
1930s sheared beaver 'chubby' jacket
1930s lounger
1930 lamé & velvet coat
1930 Burberry country suit
1930 ostrich skin bag
1933 chiffon print dress
early 1930s Worth of Boston velvet & ermine hat
early 1930s Simon Rubin straw hat
early 1930s silk velvet jacket
early 1930s Henry Morgan Co coat
early 1930s silk piano shawl
early 1930s Czech topaz glass & brass necklace
1934 deep plum velvet evening dress
1935 velvet & lace dress
c. 1935 evening gown, embroidered satin
1935 printed silk lounging pajamas
1935 print chiffon dress
1935 cotton day dress
1937 Chanel lace gown
1937 rayon print dress
1937 wool coat
1937 fruit salad brooch
1937 KTF dress clip
late 1930s wool coat
late 1930s Walkover shoes
late 1930s unsigned brooch
late 1930s silk evening gown
late 1930s rayon print dress
late 1930s rayon blouse
late 1930s print house dress
late 1930s felt tall hat
1939 print cotton gauze dress
1939 Victorian revival hat by Laddie Northridge