How to do glamour like they did in the 30s!

Was there ever a more glamourous era in fashion? The fashion of  the 1930's is often referred to as The Golden Age or Old Hollywood. Floor length gowns were de rigueur for evening wear. The sumptuous silk and satin fabrics cut on the bias had such fluidity of movement that they appeared liquid.

Feathers, fur and diamonds adorned the ladies of high society and cinema. Even though it was a time of Depression and austerity for the majority, most people sought escapism in the heady glamour of celebrity.

Old Hollywood glamour is definitely a look that's perfect for a formal or evening event and I'm sure most of you can imagine that it would be pretty spectacular as bridal wear.

Lets look back at some original 1930's images from Pinterest to pinpoint a few key trends:

Ruffles:

Ultra feminine and a masterclass in tailoring! Big and small the 30's used them all!

 Gloves:
All lengths, colours and fabrics. An easy way to add a touch of instant allure.

Bias Cut Gowns:

This method of sewing material on the bias gave the ultimate figure hugging shape. 

 

Interesting back and neck details:

One of the most covetable and wearable influences for today's modern dresses.

Belts:

Unlike today, the majority of full length dresses were belted. This was to accentuate the waist and femininity as often the tops of dresses were quite covered or blouse like.

 Bridal:

Make-up:

Keep it sultry and smokey with thin arched eyebrows. And of course add a red lip!

Reese Witherspoon in Vogue for Water For Elephants

The 1930's in Dirty Fabulous:

Grey Gardens: The Fashion

The story of Big and Little Edie and their lives within Grey Gardens fascinates me. In their early years this mother and daughter duo were wealthy socialites, related to Jacqueline Bouvier who would later marry John F. Kennedy. But, by the 1970's things for the Edie's had changed drastically and they lived in poverty in their decrepit mansion; Grey Gardens.

When I think of the term "crazy cat lady" these gals immediately spring to mind! 

You can find out all about the peculiar goings on at Grey Gardens in the 1970's documentary or watch the 2009 brilliant adaptation to movie staring Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange. Either way you'll see what I mean.

Little Edie isn't the most conventional of fashion icons but there is something about her eccentric style which adds a touch of dishevelled glamour. When she was young she was considered one of the most beautiful ladies in her family, even more so than her cousin, Jackie. Her sense of style was completely individual, even at this stage. It became more so when she developed alopecia and took to wearing turbans pinned with elaborate brooches to cover her head.

She would also fashion capes from skirts, construct clothing using fabric and safety pins and wrap jumpers around her head. Unusual...yes, stylish...sometimes...iconic...completely! 

Little Edie

Drew Barrymore as Little Edie

 

John Galliano's 2009 collection inspired by Grey Gardens

With this inspiration we thought we would do our own little homage -

The Dirty Fabulous Grey Gardens

All Clothing & Accessories in store at Dirty Fabulous!