A before and after shot of a woman wearing a Spencer Corset from 1941. Source and copyright: This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.
1940s lingerie, the Spencer corset
1940s
The hardships which were caused by a world at war dictated the fashions of the 1940s. Once again Hollwood had a major influence of the style of everyday women who were encoraged to look good despite rationing and shortages to keep up morale.
1940s girl in a bikini advertising the seaside at Whitley Bay
Girl in a green bikini holding a starfish on a poster from the newly nationalised British Railways, advertising Whitley Bay in North Tyneside. Signed “Michael”. Date: 1949 Source and copyright: The National Archives No known copyright restrictions
1940s bridal fashion photo from McCall Magazine
Cover photo from 1942 McCall Magazine: June Bride. Photographer: Nickolas Muray. Aren’t they just the picture of marital bliss? Although oddly they don’t seem to be wearing wedding rings… Source and copyright: George Eastman House Collection: No known copyright restrictions
1940s girl in a rain coat from McCall magazine
1940s photo from the cover of McCalls magazine: Girl in the rain from 1943. Photographer: Nickolas Muray. How does she manage to look so glamorous in a transparent plastic mac?! Source and copyright: George Eastman House Collection: No known copyright restrictions
Cecil Beaton: Theatre of War
Above: A welder works on the deck of a new ship, Tyneside, 1943 A new exhibition opens at the Imperial War Museum London on 6th September of Cecil Beaton’s war time photography. I have a couple of tickets to give away, just comment below and let me know if you would like them. Which is(…)
1940s surf girls in their swimsuits
1940s photo of surf sirens on Manly beach in New South Wales, Australia. Which is your favourite? I think mine is the second from left – the 2 piece swimsuit with high waisted shorts! Photographer: Ray Leighton Source: National Library of Australia: No known copyright restrictions
The Great Drapo can make a dress faster than anyone… without a sewing machine!
Alphonse Berge appeared as the Great Drapo for millions of visitors to the New York World’s Fair. Thanks to Art Deco Daily for sharing this
Soldiers in Front of the Eiffel Tower
1940s photo American GIs in front of the Eiffel Tower watching the Tricolore flag flying again after the liberation of Paris.