The "Dirty 30s" weren't so dirty after all!

Women's fashion in the 30s became a little more form fitting and longer in length.  In order to hug the body, designers had to use very light weight fabrics such as crepes and lighter satins - both very elegant fabrics.

For our first dress, I am bringing back the famous Jeanne Lanvin.  You might remember her work from my 20s blog.

This dress is made of off white wool crepe decorated throughout with silver sequins; the design is mostly abstract geometric shapes, but there are a few stylized fish. Low neckline; straight-topped bodice. 1" thick straps. Natural waistline accentuated by a thin, sequin-covered belt. Skirt falls straight to the floor.  Chicago History Museum

Next up we have a House of Worth evening gown ca.1932.  

Sleeveless pale sea-foam green with v-neck, decorated with large seashells of various types.  The straps have iridescent sequin decoration with scattered rhinestones at shoulders and down the low back.  Attached is a sea-foam crepe de chine slip with slide closure.  More on the House of Worth

Next we are seeing our first dress from Coco Chanel.  

This dress is made of dark purple blue silk net and crochet. Completely covered with tiny iridescent paillettes, which are sewn onto the yarn strands. V-shaped neckline with fold-over collar, which trails down the back of the dress. Can be tied like a scarf. Proper left side zipper. Flared, ankle-length skirt. Belt of matching crocheted fabric with paillettes, to be worn at natural waist.  More on House of Chanel

Ok, so I have to put in one more Chanel gown and I think it is amazing! 

This evening ensemble is an exception to Chanel's unspoken rule. While the two-piece garment dates too early in Chanel's oeuvre to be designated a cocktail ensemble, it falls appropriately to above floor-length and includes a removable matching evening jacket with a modest neckline and sleeves. The transformative qualities of this ensemble were characteristic for cocktail suits of the 1930s; even at the couture level, the removable jacket allowed a smooth, easy transition between early evening clothing and garments intended for late-night soirées. The ensemble is composed of silk net that has been treated in a labor-intensive manner with ruffles shirred in, set by heat, and the shirring thread removed; the delicate construction and obsessive attention to detail intimates the refined tailoring technique and immaculate eye of Chanel couture.  (Text from MET)

Last but not least, we have another stunner.

This little beauty is from Mainbocher, ca. 1938.  It is floor length and evening style, pink and gold jacquard weave with silk brocading.  It has a high neckline with attached trompe l'oeil (illusion of depth) necklace of sequins, glass beads, and orange pink beading.  Cap sleeves have similar trim at edge.  Bodice attaches to straight skirt at natural waist.  

It is becoming obvious to me as I find these gowns that I will have to revisit these time periods again and again - I just can't do it justice in only 5 photos!  

Thanks for stopping by my blog and remember, I also have an online boutique, Lulabelle's Closet.  I wish I sold vintage fashion but my stock is all new and modern but I still have many lovely items- please stop by my Facebook page, Lulabelle's Closet, and see what LC is all about! 

Thanks!