Though considering the effect war had on the fashion
industry seems somewhat trivial, the way the nation
dressed itself gives us an intimate insight into the
daily impact of conflict.
Summers’ book documents fashion during World War II, from a homeland perspective.
Though war was an ever-present concern,
life often continued on as before and, for women,
clothing was an important issue.
The clothes that formerly made women feel desirable were now replaced with alien styles and uncomfortable fabrics that made
the period disconcerting.
Transitioning from evening gowns to functional dungarees was hard for many, and so ‘upcycling’ clothes became a welcome distraction
from the trepidation of war.
Dressing as before gave hope that things would return to normal.
With wonderful photographs, diary excerpts, and magazine
quotes, Fashion On The Ration gives the lesser heard
but engaging view of the nation at war, contrasting
our typical impression of drab clothing with the
reality of a nation keeping calm, and carrying on.
Book Review: Fashion On The Ration – Style In The Second World War by Julie Summers
