Stephanie quickly adds all these facts to her notes and waits for the next questions.

Francis writes down everyone's response and waits patiently.

Very good Reign, 5 points to slytherin. Now the great depression caused a severe effect on the fashion world of the times. No more were people able to go out and spend the money on clothing as they once had. Women began sewing more than ever repairing clothing and wearing it until it wasn't wearable anymore. Skirts also became longer, it seemed with the times that modesty came back.

A big move forward in the 30's, 1935 to be exact was the creation of synthetic fibers. These fibers at first were used to make nylon stockings in 1939, however, due to the state that the world was in the synthetic fibers weren't widely used until many years later.

Fur was popular with rich people in that era. It was almost a sign of status. Fur coats, stoles, capes and accessories were seen on many famous actors and actress which became very popular as a cheap form of entertainment to help forgot the woes of money.

What was the big event that happened at the end of the 1930's and on what day did it occur?

Raises Hand

On September 1, 1939 Germany invaded Poland then on September 3rd Britain, France, Australia and New Zealand declare war on Germany, which started the beginning of WWII?

September 1, 1930's: With the outbreak of World War II, as women were being encouraged to replace men in the factories and offices, clothing generally became more tailored, and frequently borrowed from military looks-- even to prominent, padded square shoulders. Wartime shortages led to official directives to keep dresses narrow and short, without extra draping and excessive use of fabric. Since clothing was rationed, accessories became important as a way of varying a limited wardrobe. The war also provided an opportunity for American designers to establish themselves; previously fashion ideas had emanated mainly from Paris.

-continues adding to her notes, and gets out a new ink bottle and quill and continues writing-

ooc: sorry for my other post, I mispelled SO badly it hurt me.

As Reign said, the German invasion of Poland was on 1 September 1939, which is the most common date in the West for the start of World War II. Others cite the Japanese invasion of China on 7 July 1937 as the war's beginning, or even the 1931 Japanese incursion into Manchuria.

"Also, the ‘little black dress’ – a closet staple for many modern women – was created during WWII era fabric rationing. Leather and rubber shortages spurred the birth of the platform shoe of cork or wood. WWII wartime advice like “Make do and mend” prompted women to transform old men’s suits into women’s suits. Even men’s suits were re-defined; vests, double-breasted jackets and extraneous tucks and cuffs were done away with. Imports – like Aloha shirts and kimonos from the Pacific and bikinis named after the South Pacific island – were brought home by servicemen.fashion and war in these times have a more tenuous relationship than in the past. Formerly, women's fashion changed to accommodate new roles for women: out of the house and into the factory; more utilitarian and similar to men’s clothing. But now women already dress similar to men."

"Oh my gosh..." Alita mourn. So many answer at once. But it's good when someone is saying something instead no one saying anything at all. Anyways, she wrote the correct anwsers for notes. Alita has no idea about muggles' clothes style at all. Well she'll try her hardest. Alita raises her hand, "Is it like those poddle dress thingy?" Alita said with concern, "Because I think they may have, since it was in the very early 40's." Alita waits for the answer...

Mikaela is almost breathless as she tries to both listen to this great and fascinating discussion and write notes as well. She hurriedly uncorks some more ink. She puzzles over what Alita said... Mikaela is almost sure poodle skirts were worn in the 50's...?

Pandah continues taking notes and is very glad she took this class.

Very good again Reign, five more points for slytherin, the beginning of World War 2 struck everyone hard, men were leaving yet again to go off to war and the women were left at home wondering if they would ever see their husbands again.


In June of 1940 the german occupation threatened what we now know as the center point of fashion. Paris, France. Germans wanted to move the couture houses to Berlin to make them the center of fashion. However, obviously this move never happened and to this day Paris remains the fashion central of the world.

With all the resources being put into the war, including natural fabrics an emphasis on synthetics started. Rayon became the new material to be used to this day.

Girls wore long skirts down to below the knee, with cardigans. It was considered inappropriate to dress up during this conservative era so sportswear became increasingly popular.

Since leather was contained to military use only during the war, fashino designers of the era got creative with shoes, the first introduction of reptile skin shoes was in the 1940's also mesh was used. It was popular to dress the shoe up with accessories.

Greta carefully takes notes.

::genie dips her quill in her ink and continues taking notes::

Mrs. Wealsey raises her hand. "I'm curious, professor, what kind of acessories were used to dress up muggle shoes?"


OCC: Sorry to hear about the dental work. I had to have a root canel done a few weeks ago, and I sympathize with you.

"If muggles started using reptile skins for shoes, is this where we started to use dragon skin?"

*Alicia walks in and throws all of her things to the floor*
yelling from the back corner "So sorry to be so late!! But could some one after class please fill me in on whats been happening in class? OH! and sorry again professor!!"

Serena raised her hand saying, "Pins and broaches were a popular choice for decorations as well as silk flowers and bows made from ribbons. I think they even used fur and feathers."

Tina quickly takes notes.

Well Mrs. Weasley, it was mostly household items. It was the "Make Do & Mend era" as sited by the fashion magazine Vogue. Cellophane, pipe cleaners and anything they could recycle do help with the war effort. mintnorth24 you are correct, this is when wizards started divising the use of dragon skins for shoes and gloves. But, we were first a muggle designer got the idea one day when he saw a wizard wearing shoes. That was actually the beginning of muggle-wizard relations.

Now, let's move on. The 1950's, the baby boomer era. Basically in was all about family and things were changing. Families were growing exponentially. No longer did families have to be reserved many were prospering in the post-war era.

With all the parties, barbeques and social events dressing up became popular again. The most popular new thing was the stilleto heel in 1951. Eliminating the old chunky heels giving women a choice, with open toes and lots of different options.

Leather, Levi’s, and Converse sneakers helped create the look. Along with the famous circle and poodle skirts, ponytails, saddle shoes, penny loafers, and colored sneakers were popular with teenaged bobby-soxers. Sandals, ballet slippers, and other casual footwear became increasingly fashionable, as pool parties and other casual outdoor activities became popular.

What doll was created in 1959 that spawned an era?

Tina quickly thinks of the answer. "The barbie doll."

I believe that was the Barbie doll wasn't it?

Tina listens to the professor's reply.

Lyra quickly adds, The Barbie doll was invented in 1959 by Ruth Handler (co-founder of Mattel), whose own daughter was called Barbara. Barbie was introduced to the world at the American Toy Fair in New York City. The doll was intended to be a teenage fashion doll. There has been some controversy over Barbie's figure when it realized that if Barbie was a real person her measurements would be an impossible 36-18-38. The Ken doll was named after Ruth's son. Barbie first had bendable legs in 1965.

Very good lways, 5 points to gryffindor. The barbie doll was created in 1959 just as things were changing again. After the 1950's baby booming era, there was 70 million teenagers in the 1960's. In the early 60's crew cuts and bouffant hairstyles were popular, mens shirst were button down plaid and knee length skirts were required for women in public places.

But by the mid 1960's a big change occurred. Miniskirts and hot pants were all the rage. Skirts as much as 8 inches above the knee were frowned upon but the teenagers didn't care. Sweater dresses and culottes were also popular.

Men's hair became longer and wider along with beards and moustaches. Menswear too had a much needed renaissance; bright colors, double-breasted sports jackets, polyester pants suits with Nehru jackets, and turtlenecks were in vogue. By the end of the decade, men's ties when worn, were up to 5" wide; most were patterned even when worn with stripes. Bell-bottom jeans, love beads and embellished t-shirts were the thing to wear at the end of the 1960's.