John Peacock


Women’s fashion in the 1940s divides into two parts: the plain, square-shouldered, utilitarian wartime style, which reflected the scarcity of materials, and the round-shouldered, full-skirted silhouette that appeared at the end of the decade following Dior’s ‘New Look’ of 1947. Men’s fashion was relatively static.

The year-by-year format allows all this to be shown in fascinating detail. Day Wear, Evening War, Sports and Leisure Wear, Accessories, Underwear and Wedding Wear are included, and complete descriptions of each garment accompany the drawings, itemizing colour, cut, necklines, lapels, sleeves, pockets, fastenings, buttons, belts, etc. The reference section includes a chart summarizing at a glance the evolution of fashion and garment-shapes, as well as biographies of outstanding 1940s designers and a bibliography.

John Peacock’s Fashion Sourcebooks are destined to become an indispensable part of the library of any fashion enthusiast, historian or collector, and are sure to provide inspiration to any designer or student working in the performing arts.


ISBN 0500 28041X