Costume Reference: 1939-50 v.9

One of a series on British dress from Roman times, this covers the fashion from the outbreak of World War II to the effects of the "New Look" of 1947. The author describes how fashion was limited by shortage of materials and the demands of utility and practicality, and how the byword was that of "make do and mend". The years of severity created a climate of welcome and relief for Christian Dior's full and feminine styles and the extravagance of the postwar Teddy Boys. Marion Sichel began her career as a costume designer for the theatre and now devotes her time to costume research.