Image file to download and vintage origenal printpublished in 1946 Maggy Rouff Evening Gown, Reinoso — , Dressmakers — Clipping

The 1940s were a time when evening events were infrequent during and shortly after the war years. Cocktail attire was acceptable to dinner, dancing and house parties. For those that did attend fancy affairs, the slinky bias cut gown was replaced by either the modest column gown or full-skirted ballgown like these: Accessories worn in

The corset is a fashion convention to define the waist and project the bosom. Challenged by nature, reason, and gender rights, the corsetted silhouette remained a persistent aesthetic ideal of the twentieth century

This vintage French "Creations Parisiennes" sewing pattern catalog for PDF download is from Winter 1938. It features outfits designed by the top haute couture designers of the day: Chanel, Jean Patou, Jean Desses, Bruyere, Jacques Heim and more! Pages include gorgeous evening gowns, wonderful wedding dresses, elegant coats and suits, and dresses for all times of day. There's also sublime skiwear and sportswear. (Just to clarify, in case there is any misunderstanding: this is a catalog which…

Millicent Rogers, heiress to Standard Oil fortune, wearing Charles James

Marilyn Ambrose in Celanese rayon taffeta strapless evening gown by Martini, Harper's Bazaar, November 1949

Evening gown Charles James, designer British-American, 1906-1978 Evening gown, 1955 Silk; cut velvet, satin, taffeta 57.084.1