Vintage video: more fashion from the 40s
Say, kids, what time is it? Hint: I’ve had a couple drinks. That’s right, it’s time to hit the British Pathé archives!
Here’s a silent film short of unknown date (looks postwar to me) showcasing austerity fashions by designer Peter French. I like how curiously astringent some of the models look, even when smiling. However, there are some interesting fashion ideas here — love the cascading pleat detail on that straight skirt, and now I just have to try elbow gloves with a button-back blouse. I particularly like the playsuit/convertible skirt beach ensemble — the cape is perfect for huddling under on those summer days when lashing winds are whipping damp sand across your exposed flesh.
Back in the days when designers could be bothered with plus sizes, in-store mannequins (i.e. models) were needed to show them off to customers. This wartime film follows a chic plus-size model with the delightfully gothic name of Mrs. Danvers through an average day. Note to furriners: Mrs. Danvers weighs 182 lbs. or 82.5 kg. For some unknown reason, the British claim to understand human body weight only when given in “stones” (units of 14 lbs.) Honestly. Tell a Brit how much you weigh and they’ll pretend they have no idea what you mean.
Attention ladies: the time has gone when smart women wear slacks in the house! That’s right, the war’s over — drop that spanner/scythe/anti-aircraft gun and get back to pouring tea, tinkling on the piano and making bright, inconsequential chitchat. “Day Wear, Gay Wear” features some admittedly very smart little outfits in enviable fabrics (chenille on a georgette background, anyone?).
This 1941 film with the amusingly patronizing title “Ladies! Here is news for you!” features fashions from an America not yet at war. The timing is particularly cruel when you consider that less than a month after this fashion flash was released, the UK would enter the long dark night of clothing rationing, which was to last a brutal 8 years. Also, from the sound of the commentary, our narrator seems to have had a few himself. Eek!
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what a treat!
I was gobsmacked by the Mrs. Danvers one. I didn’t think people realized the disparity between models’ weight and “real” people back then.
Oh! And the Women Know your place video is a perennial favorite in my household. Husband often looks at me with utter contempt for spewing half-baked drivel. Then I mumble something about kittens. Its very good.
Where is the “Women KnowYour Place” video seen?
Thanks for the videos. I LOVE the snark on that last video. I kept replaying parts of it. I say bring back in store mannequins! Bring back the old ways of dressing! Bring it all back! Huzzah for cascade pleats!
I love that “inspired by a Negro sweep who fell over a bucket of tar in the blackout” seems to be not even a joke about race but just a cutesy way of saying something’s black. Also, MRS. DANVERS! Whoa. Can you think of a character less suited to sex-symbol/modeling status?
“Even if your daughter has got a face like the back of a cab…”
Oh my.
I loved all the videos! It’s so interesting seeing the fashions of the war era moving around.
Garnet
The cascade pleats on the skirt in the first video are fabulous!
I think it is funny, in a good way, that your drinking too much leads to vintage fashion video porn that you freely share with us. I raise my glass to you! Cheers!
how are things on the wardrobe revamp front going?
Love the videos! I am in love with the striped blouse! And the belts are so interesting!
wow, that last commentator was SNIDE. I did like the clothes. thanks for digging these out. I’ll be watching them again after hubby and his car auctions are gone to bed.