Return of the feminine silhouette: Between the two world wars, people enjoyed peace and prosperity. The stock market crash of 1929 found an aftermath in practical daytime fashion, while glamourous evening wear let women shine in the style of Greek goddesses.
Women liked to mix and match their outfits, a skirt and blouse combination was perfect for everyday wear, covered up with a classic cardigan in colder weather, or they chose a versatile shirtwaister dress. Styles of the 1930s emphasize the waist, but without the restrictions of a rigid corset. Skirts were often calf-length, and small elements such as different collars or sleeves added variation. Stockings became ultra-thin, and elegant trousers became a wardrobe staple modeled by style icons such as Marlene Dietrich. Coco Chanel is still one of the leading fashion designers, but Italian-French designer Elsa Schiaparelli and Madeleine Vionnet are strong competitors. Madeleine Vionnet is famous for her softly draped dresses inspired by Greek statues that enhance the feminine figure with her new bias-cut technique.
This fashion era is can be called the "Golden Thirties" because it is also very glamourous, clearly inspired by the film industry. Almost every type of robe worn by Hollywood icons such as Joan Crawford, Vivien Leigh and Greta Garbo in one of their films was seen a little later at the social events of the rich and beautiful. Similar to the 1920s, evening gowns glittered with sequins, rhinestones, pearls and shimmering fabric.
This fashion era is can be called the "Golden Thirties" because it is also very glamourous, clearly inspired by the film industry. Almost every type of robe worn by Hollywood icons such as Joan Crawford, Vivien Leigh and Greta Garbo in one of their films was seen a little later at the social events of the rich and beautiful. Similar to the 1920s, evening gowns glittered with sequins, rhinestones, pearls and shimmering fabric.
