During the 1930s some important events occurred, such as the great economic crises or the interwar period, which had a great impact on the fashion trends who triumphed in this era.
On the other hand, the women of Hollywood became major influences for the fashion world, both on and off screen. Actresses and artists popularized fox furs, sheer fabrics, necklines, and feathers, among other feminine garments.
History of 30s fashion
The 1930s were marked by an economic crisis worldwide, caused by the New York stock market crash at the end of the 1920s (the crash of '29) and that begins to influence all areas of life, including the world of fashion.
The neutral colors and more affordable garments begin to be manufactured thanks to the use of synthetic fibers. Artificial silk or nylon, much more affordable materials, allow fashion to reach all spheres of society.
Likewise, for the first time, women's pants and the arrangement of garments begins to be a necessity of the moment, so homemade clothing becomes very popular.
However, it is the women of cinema like Mae West or Greta Garbo, those who set the style that triumphed in the 1930s. Although the lives their characters led did not correspond to reality, they became great role models.
Icons who set trends
Fashion designers such as Travis Banton, creator of the image of Marlene Dietrich, and Mainbocher, designer of the Wallis Simpson's wedding dress for her wedding to the Prince of Wales Edward VIII, were present at social events of the time, becoming icons of haute couture and 1930s fashion.
On the other hand, Madeleine Vionnet introduces in this decade the bias cut on dresses, a technique that consisted of using the fabric diagonally to avoid seams.
Lucien Lelong was another designer who caused a sensation due to his models of full skirts and cinched waist. This type of garment is classified as an extravagant and frivolous design that required a lot of fabric investment, an economic luxury that few could afford in the 1930s. However, its designs preceded the “New Look” by Dior after the Second World War that was so successful.
Fashion characteristics of the 1930s
Women's pants
The origin of women's pants arises from the role change women had to assume after the start of the First Gworld war, when they had to move to factories to work while their husbands were at war.
In the 1930s, the first pants designed exclusively for women, since until then they used their husbands' pants.
The success of the culotte skirt
Elsa Schiaparelli introduced this garment into women's wardrobes and achieved success with the culotte skirt design she made for the tennis player Lilí Álvarez for the 1931 Roland Garros in Paris. A design that was very controversial at the time.
30s Dresses
Designers of the time gave up volume and created straighter, body-hugging evening dresses, known as "skeleton dresses". Goodbye to luxurious embroidery and more economical fabrics were used such as satin. On the other hand, the day or casual dresses that are most popular are those made of period.
Necklines and bare backs
Sensuality was marked by pronounced necklines on dresses and blouses with completely bare backs. Likewise, sandals were thin and showed the woman's toes, something that was also considered very sensual.
Hats and haircuts
Hats large, extravagant, shoe-shaped and inspired by surrealist movements like the one conveyed by Dalí, were very successful. On the other hand, a style of haircut longer than that of the 1920s.
Men's fashion in the 1930s
Men at the end of the 1920s they had great interest in dressing well, a trend that continued in the 1930s despite the economic situation. However, the suits of this period are characterized by being much more sober.
The athletic silhouette inspired by military ranks was the most sought after by men of that era. Shoulder pads began to be used and fitted trousers in men's suits to convey that athletic masculine bearing. Wide pointed lapels appeared and the pockets were square and large.
Everything that contributed to adding volume to the upper part of the male body became a well-accepted fashion for men in the 1930s.
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