BKSY 

Fashion Restriction Leads to New Found Independance 

Kadie Yazd July 1,2013 

 

   Fashion has never been one to follow rules. It has stood as an eternal pillar of reflection upon the society that it lives in. It has nurtured to millions and has served as a window to the lifestyle and hopes for the modern day women. It is a wild animal that acts on instincts of the present surroundings and future wishes. To try to contain it and control it would be like trying to inhibit the human spirit from its natural wonders. It can't be done, because just as the human spirit, it always finds a way of being who it is. Fashion is a necessity for all to project their lives. So what happens when tragedies strikes and this necessity needs to be cheapened and reduced? Can it survive? Well of course it can! In fact it has. 
   The late 30's, an age of structured silhouette topped with ruffles and pizzazz, America had learned to intertwine the extravagance of the beginning of the 1900's to the newfound fun and sass of the flapper days. Together, these polar opposites bounded to create, what I like to call, glamour. But times had been tough for the world. It had entered an era of tension between the countries due to major unfinished business of World War I. And as they usually do, these unsolved problems escalated to another round of bombs and warfare. America needed all the resources it could get for its soldiers. Leaving no stone unturned, they started rationing and restricting products of all types. Because of this the fashion industry has received its fair share of new rules. 
   Due to the needs for every soldier to be clothed, the government laid new laws restricting the amount of fabric and type of fabric used to make clothes. All ruffles, pleats, and zippers were prohibited. Buttons and pocket were reduced. The maximum amount of fabric for skirts was 2.5 feet, with 2-inch or less hems and 14inch sleeves (circumference). Leather and satin and chiffon were replaced with cheap wool of little variety. Fashion had a new game to play, and it was War. 
Even with so little to work with, America had done what it does best, turning its adversity into a style. Women had stepped up to the plate and taken their husbands and fathers original jobs. Being the first real chance at independence they took it and designers were inspired. A new age was present, and everybody was diving in. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   The military style was marketed and worn by all. It was a rocky beginning, dresses had lost the tightness to become more lose and matronly, the colors were bland, and the restrictions on embellishments seemed to make garments loose their edge. But America was a land of courage and heart, and where there is heart there are miracles. Designers broke out in edited versions of the mid 30's style. They used to stiffness of the wool to their advantage in order to create more definition to the curves of the women’s body while also adding comfort along with broadened shoulders. Pants were also remade to help portray the new image for all the working girls. Swimsuits had evolved to two pieces and that riveted EVERYBODY. Keyhole necklines were introduced for the first time along with smaller classier hats. Glamour was no longer in need of sparkles and color, and while it was sad to see our feminism leave we found sensation in being our own bosses. 
As the war came to an end, so did our military style. While it exciting for women to be self-reliant they had missed their sensuality and feminism. Returning back to their original positions in society, they reinserted the corsets and the hulking skirts. Although many women were glad to see the dramatic style come back lots of others felt foolish to leave behind their power so they stuck with the more constructed militaryesc looks. 
   World War II had offered women a taste of independence. It gave them a feeling of strength and courage and gave fashion new boundaries. And although rebounding back to their girly ways rather quickly, women found themselves in times of trouble and with this gained more needs and wishes which in turn would change society at rapid pace. Women were no longer just mothers and errand runners. They finally had, in a way, proved to themselves their worth. This worth did not mean they had to give up everything they were before, but instead revamp their vitality into what they are now.