Bra Support Comes of Age: The history of the bra, 1920-1930 *
by Carol Wood, First published for the November/December 2013 issue of Finery “The history of the chest is as much about its suppression as it is about its augmentation” Harold Koda Extreme Beauty: The Body Transformed Underwear and outerwear tag team change and for the brassiere this is no exception. Women’s under-fashion evolved from the constraining corset to the flapper’s […]
Book Reviews: Vintage Hairstyling and Retro Makeup by Lauren Rennells
by George McQuary, First published for the July/August 2012 issue of Finery Lauren Rennells’ book Vintage Hairstyling: Retro Styles with Step-by-Step Techniques, 2nd Edition can be used in two ways: First, as a look book. Take it to your favorite hair stylist, point at a picture, and say “Make my hair do this for tonight”. Or you can take the […]
1930s: As Was the Fashion of the Time
by Suzette Davidson, First published for the May/June 2012 issue of Finery During the 1930s, tailored suits and day dresses made a strong impression as they became more accessible for day wear via “off-the-rack” clothing manufacturing. The industry was changing with the development of new synthetic materials and dyes. In addition, the zipper, or slide fastener, was first being used […]
Women’s Institute of Domestic Arts and Sciences
by Carol Wood, First published for the January/February 2010 issue of Finery Sewing has waxed and waned in the hearts and homes of American women over the past century. The home sewing machine was available from the 1850’s and considered an integral piece of furniture to a well-appointed home. Despite these machines making home garment production even easier, the interest in learning to sew and home garment production dwindled. As […]
