UNIT B

EVOLUTION AND
MOVEMENT OF
FASHION
2.03 Recognize the relationship
between historical events and
fashion evolution.

Mood of the decade

World War II
Women re-entered the
workforce
Parisian Fashion houses
closed their doors due to
German invasion of Paris
American fashion
designers emerged
Shorter skirts
Sloppy Joe sweaters
Bikini introduced

Mood of the decade

World War II (cont.)
L-85 (General Limitations
Order) restricted amount of
fabric used in production of
apparel.
Designers had to create fashions
that would remain stylish through
multiple seasons.
A new style of suits for women
had short skirts and short jackets
of twenty-five inches or less in
length.
Sheath evening dresses replaced
the long flowing gowns of the

Mood of the decade

World War II (cont.)
Restrictions limited
use of silk, wool,
rubber, metal
Tailored masculinelooking suit
The young danced the
jitterbug.

Mood of the decade

World War II (cont.)
Postwar fashion freedom
Women wanted a return
to more feminine designs.
Christian Dior introduced
the New Look with
rounded shoulders, fuller
bustlines, and fuller skirts
fifteen inches off the
ground.
Paris was re-established
as the center of the

People who influenced

fashion
Christian Diordesigner of the
New Look; first to license name
Norman Norrellwinner of the
first Coty American Fashion Critics
Award; founder of CFDA
Cristobal Balenciagaknown for
huge evening coats, long, full
skirts, pillbox hats, and chemise
dresses

People who influenced

fashion
Jacques Fathfirst French
designer to export designs to
the United States
Elsa Schiaparelliknown for
surreal designs and bold use of
color
AdrianHollywood costume
designer whose screen fantasies
influenced street fashions