A journey through the fashion of the 40s and 50s

The fashion of the 1940s and 1950s was marked by major social changes and historical events that influenced the style and clothing of these decades. In this article, we will explore how the social and economic events of these two decades profoundly influenced trends and women's style, and how these eras continue to inspire Vogana 's creations.

A look at fashion in the 40s and 50s

1940s: Elegance in times of war

During World War II , fashion was affected by material shortages. Fabric rations forced designers to be creative and functional.

The style was characterized by:

• Structured suits : Women adopted more masculine silhouettes, with defined shoulders and cinched waists. Skirts were straight and reached to the knee. Two-piece suits (jacket and skirt) became popular, and were both elegant and practical.
• Functional clothing : Clothing that could be used in different contexts was promoted, due to the need to save materials.
• Sober colours and discreet prints : The predominant colours were dark (brown, black and navy blue) and the prints, when used, were usually small floral motifs.
• Comfortable footwear : Low- or mid-heeled shoes and wedges became popular for their comfort.

Despite the limitations, women sought to maintain femininity with accessories such as gloves, hats and small handbags. The hairstyle, with voluminous curls and waves, was a symbol of sophistication.

Fashion Icons of the 40s

Claire McCardell: One of the most influential designers, famous for her focus on utilitarian and comfortable clothing.

Heddy Lamarr: Actress and also inventor, she became a symbol of beauty and fashion of the time.

1950s: The return of glamour and femininity

With the end of the war and the economic recovery, 1950s fashion experienced a resurgence of luxury and glamour. Designer Christian Dior, with his famous "New Look" , ushered in this new era with a very feminine and streamlined silhouette:

• Hourglass silhouette : The waistline became exaggerated, skirts became wider and shoulders became softer. Loose-fitting, flared dresses and skirts became a symbol of the era.
• Cocktail and day dresses : A-line dresses with full skirts were the must-have of the decade, along with fitted dresses at the waist that flared out towards the bottom.
• Colours and prints : The 1950s were full of vibrant colours and bold patterns. Polka dots, stripes and floral prints gained popularity, as did pastel shades.
• Accessories : The use of long gloves, small hats, belts and pearls became synonymous with elegance. High-heeled shoes made a strong comeback and handbags became an indispensable accessory.
• Beauty and hairstyles : Hair was worn with lots of volume and waves, and red lips became the signature makeup color.

Fashion Icons of the 50s

Audrey Hepburn: Famous for her elegance and simplicity, Hepburn became a style icon with her iconic costume pieces in films like Breakfast at Tiffany's .

Marilyn Monroe: A symbol of sensuality and glamour, her style influenced millions with her tight dresses and platinum blonde hair.

This journey is a testament to how fashion can tell the story of an era and its values. Vogana's designs are deeply influenced by these decades, incorporating volumes in the shoulders and marked waists that evoke the glamour and elegance of those years.

The suit, which reached its peak in women's fashion during the 1940s and 1950s, symbolizes the incorporation of women into the workforce and represents a powerful symbol of empowerment. Through our designs, we seek not only to offer elegant garments, but also to convey a message of strength and personality for the modern woman .