1. A colorful, handkerchief-style evening dress by Schiaparelli, Summer 1940.

    A colorful, handkerchief-style evening dress by Schiaparelli, Summer 1940.

  2. This silk blouse from Elsa Schiaparelli’s Spring-Summer 1940 collection, in addition to being gorgeous, is also a bold political statement. Bearing a fleur-de-lis, a traditional symbol of France, and the Latin phrase “AUT VINCERE AUT MORI”, literally “conquer or die”. This blouse was a striking statement against the Nazi conquest during the Battle of France. And a moving show of support by Schiaparelli for her adopted homeland, which would fall to the Nazi invasion within months.

    This silk blouse from Elsa Schiaparelli’s Spring-Summer 1940 collection, in addition to being gorgeous, is also a bold political statement.

    Bearing a fleur-de-lis, a traditional symbol of France, and the Latin phrase “AUT VINCERE AUT MORI”, literally “conquer or die”.

    This blouse was a striking statement against the Nazi conquest during the Battle of France. And a moving show of support by Schiaparelli for her adopted homeland, which would fall to the Nazi invasion within months.

  3. Venetian themed masquerades were also very popular in the early 1910s. This 1913 fashion plate from Le Journal des Dames et des Modes shows a couple in Venetian costumes based on the work of 18th century artist Pietro Longhi.

    Venetian themed masquerades were also very popular in the early 1910s. This 1913 fashion plate from Le Journal des Dames et des Modes shows a couple in Venetian costumes based on the work of 18th century artist Pietro Longhi.

  4. Suits and ties remained the everyday apparel of respectable young men of high school and college age until the early 1950s. This variety of sport and leisure suits is from the Fall 1946 Sears catalog. I find the “nifty” plaid-sleeved leisure suit (second from left) particularly fabulous.

    Suits and ties remained the everyday apparel of respectable young men of high school and college age until the early 1950s.

    This variety of sport and leisure suits is from the Fall 1946 Sears catalog. I find the “nifty” plaid-sleeved leisure suit (second from left) particularly fabulous.

  5. Suits consisting of a pleated skirt and vest over a white blouse were the standard for younger girls in 1946.

    Suits consisting of a pleated skirt and vest over a white blouse were the standard for younger girls in 1946.

  6. The classic “schoolgirl” look of pleated skirts and white blouses, which is the basis of so many modern school uniforms, became popular in the aftermath of WWII. This page of stylish looks for the “High School Crowd” is from the Fall-Winter 1946 Sears catalog.

    The classic “schoolgirl” look of pleated skirts and white blouses, which is the basis of so many modern school uniforms, became popular in the aftermath of WWII. This page of stylish looks for the “High School Crowd” is from the Fall-Winter 1946 Sears catalog.

  7. Smart suits and cute jackets were the recommended attire for schoolgirls in fall of 1945.

    Smart suits and cute jackets were the recommended attire for schoolgirls in fall of 1945.

  8. A 1943 photograph of a St. Augustine, Texas high school class shows girls wearing a variety of styles of dresses, skirts, blouses and sweaters.

    A 1943 photograph of a St. Augustine, Texas high school class shows girls wearing a variety of styles of dresses, skirts, blouses and sweaters.

  9. A charming junior’s knit skirt and sweater ensemble from Fall 1938.

    A charming junior’s knit skirt and sweater ensemble from Fall 1938.

  10. A collection of fashionable Juniors dresses from the Spring-Summer 1945 Sears Catalog.

    A collection of fashionable Juniors dresses from the Spring-Summer 1945 Sears Catalog.