ABSTRACT

Forties and Fifties Fashion for the Stage: with Patterns from Vintage Clothing provides instruction on how to recreate fashion from the 1940s and 1950s that withstands the vigorous demands of theatrical stage use. This book provides historical context for the clothing and features authentic patterns taken from real vintage pieces. Forties and Fifties Fashion for the Stage demonstrates how to construct a durable costume from scratch, and how to adjust patterns to fit an individual’s measurements. The book also contains a number of "How To Fake It" chapters with advice on thrifting and how to create period fashion using today’s clothing. Both men’s and women’s fashions and patterns are featured, including formal and casual wear.

part |2 pages

Part I: Designing for the Forties and Fifties

chapter 1|10 pages

Design Basics

chapter 2|46 pages

Fashion of the Forties

chapter 3|8 pages

How to Fake the Forties for Women

chapter 4|6 pages

How to Fake the Forties for Men

chapter 5|42 pages

Fashion of the Fifties

chapter 6|12 pages

How to Fake the Fifties for Women

chapter 7|6 pages

How to Fake the Fifties for Men

part |2 pages

Part II: Patterns and Construction

chapter 8|4 pages

Measurements

chapter 9|6 pages

How to Enlarge a Scale Pattern

chapter 12|8 pages

How to Fit a Muslin Mock Up

chapter 13|4 pages

How to Alter a Pattern After a Fitting

chapter 14|14 pages

Forties Peplum Dress Pattern

chapter 15|14 pages

Forties Shirtwaist Dress Pattern

chapter 16|12 pages

Forties Blouse Pattern

chapter 17|18 pages

Forties Ladies’ Suit Pattern

chapter 18|14 pages

Forties Dinner Dress Pattern

chapter 19|8 pages

Fifties Day Dress Pattern

chapter 20|12 pages

Fifties Blouse Pattern

chapter 21|14 pages

Fifties Ladies’ Suit Pattern

chapter 22|10 pages

Fifties Dinner Dress with Bolero Pattern

chapter 23|10 pages

Fifties Formal Gown Pattern

chapter 24|4 pages

Covering a Necktie

chapter 3|2 pages

Films of the Forties and Fifties