Learning about post-WWI fashion is so much fun. Sure, you see many garments that you think you know the history behind. However, it's so fascinating to me to look in-depth and think about it from a social standing and cultural perspective. The fashions may have looked a certain why, but there is a reason why. That's what makes me love these images even more than I did beforehand.
I have always seen this image without knowing much of anything about it. Above is Babe Paley, who at the time was Mrs. Stanley Grafton Mortimer, Jr. She was one of the most well-dressed women, having worked for Vogue, and also wore many American designers. She is shown here wearing Norman Norell.
Here is another socialite, Mrs. Fellowes, wearing Elsa Schiaparelli (and looking pretty fabulous, huh?). Socialites were what women looked to for their inspiration, besides Hollywood. These two women in particular were major fashion trend setters for their time!
Here is another Schiaparelli concoction. She was always one of my favorite designers growing up, partially because I've always loved surrealism and partially because of her wacky taste.
Finally, here is the fabulous Wallis Simpson wearing a Schiaparelli evening gown for her engagement portrait to the Duke of Windsor, Edward VIII. The dress is stunningly original due to the delightful hand-painted lobster on the dress, done by Mr. Salvador Dali himself!
