Victorian Revival in 40s

Amie · Feb 28, 2011

I don't know much about this topic, but I am fascinated by the blending of the two eras as I am a fan of both. From what little I know so far, there seems to have been somewhat of a Victorian resurgence during the late 40s. Does anyone know more about this trend? Also, I come across patterns every now and then that look like they have some Victorian influence. Here's two I've found:

I'll try to post more examples if I can find them.

Amie · Mar 1, 2011

Some more:

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RodeoRose · Mar 1, 2011

Interesting; I'm afraid I'm no expert on the topic, but I've always noticed a strong Victorian influence in the wedding gowns of the late 30s/40s, with their high necks, buttons galore up the back, and variations on the leg-o'-mutton sleeve:

Amie · Mar 1, 2011

oh yes yes. the first dress is so beautiful.

Lauren · Mar 1, 2011

I love the Victorian revival look! Especially the little tilt hats with netting and feathers and such.
There was a Victorial revival in the late 30s, too, that I particularly love

In a lot of magazines I have they call it "Gothic".

hailey greenhat · Mar 1, 2011

There were also a few Victorian based films in the 40's...
How strange that they'd call it Gothic in the magazines you have Lauren lol
Do you think it could be from the Gothic revival that happened around the Victorian era?

Tatum · Mar 1, 2011

We need Gracie Lee on this thread, she would know. Her knowledge of Victorian makes my head spin!

Lauren · Mar 1, 2011

hailey, yes, it's after the gothic revival

One of the Harper's Bazaars I have even has the fashion illustrations done in pen and ink similar to the style of those in the 1880s. It's quite unique! Wish I could post photos here but the magazine is still under copyright

I *think* it's the January 1939 issue.
Funny, I was thinking how some of the dresses above reminded me of "The Ghost and Mrs Muir"

Amie · Mar 1, 2011

Yes yes, and how about all those Judy Garland musicals.

Here's a nice photo I came across lately of Charles Laughton and Elsa Lanchester in neo-Victorian, Gothic garb in 1938:

Amy Jeanne · Mar 1, 2011

Even though I also posted this in *another* (cough) thread, I would say some of these 1948 dresses have a Victorian influence...

Also, Victorian revival in 1935:

lol I have a feeling her mom made her wear this dress because she was getting her yearbook picture taken that day!

LizzieMaine · Mar 1, 2011

There was a big "Gay 90s" fad in 1933-34, on the heels of the repeal of Prohibition -- a return to the good old days of the saloon -- and it turned up all thru the popular culture of the time. That's probably the seed bed for a lot of the Victorian fashion ideas of the time.

Amie · Mar 2, 2011

http://www.vintageconnection.net/NeoVictorianFashion.htm

Here's a great article about Neo Victorian Fashion.

Lady Jessica · Mar 2, 2011

Amie said:
I don't know much about this topic, but I am fascinated by the blending of the two eras as I am a fan of both. From what little I know so far, there seems to have been somewhat of a Victorian resurgence during the late 40s. Does anyone know more about this trend? Also, I come across patterns every now and then that look like they have some Victorian influence. Here's two I've found:

I'll try to post more examples if I can find them.

I would looove to own that dress and coat! How lovely! I've never seen a dress I liked more!

sheeplady · Mar 2, 2011

It has always seemed to me that a good faction of wedding gowns from almost every time period have a victorian influence. The victorians came up with most of what we associate with weddings even to this day- at least in the US. (Not all the gowns are "victorian" like, and the trend comes in and out of fashion. But I think in almost every decade in the 20th century you could find a new "victorian" inspired wedding gown if you looked).

Amy Jeanne · Mar 2, 2011

Here's some more Victorian-influenced dresses I found from 48-49...

Especially the dress on the left with the bustle-style back!

Especially the red checked one at top.

Lauren · Mar 3, 2011

Oh my gosh, I have that fabric! The multicolored stripe with blue bodice. How funny! I made a dress with some of it here.

Amie · Mar 3, 2011

haha, I saw the picture amy jeanne posted and I immediately recalled your dress.

hailey greenhat · Mar 3, 2011

:O I want most all of those dresses Amy
I also remembered your dress when seeing that Lauren! lol Both are very pretty dresses.

W-D Forties · Jun 27, 2014

When times are tough (financially or in times of war) people naturally look back, witness the 40's revival in the early 80's. In the 40's they would have been looking back 40 years or so. Gone With The Wind had a big influence too!

Victorian Revival in 40s

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