Spring trend: 1940s-inspired wear

By Nicole Pietrantonio

Are the 1940s giving the 1980s trends of last season a run for their money? According to three local designers, spring 2010 is bringing back swanky 1940s apparel with sleek lines and Audrey Hepburn-inspired styles. Sassy-chic is redefined with pencil skirts and peep-toe inspirations, classic of the that era.

Here, each designer weighs in on what aspect of the ’40s you can expect to see in her collection — everything from full-brim hats, form-fitting clothes and chunky accessories.

Charlotte fashion designer Lore Emelio, who attended Parsons Fashion design school and went on to work at prominent fashion house Ralph Lauren, has been struck hard by the designs of the 1940s. She is approaching spring “with fit and flair influences from the 1940s,” along with “late Victorian references in the hats of the Lore Emelio collection.”

Speaking of hats, Emelio has matched up some fun accessories to compliment her 1940s-inspired line. “A woven straw full-brim sun hat that exudes full-on glamour is an exceptionally sophisticated and simple piece that can’t help but make a statement. It both adds mystery to the wearer and elevates any outfit,” said Emelio. In the shoe department, “strappy Espadrilles” echo the shoe styles of the working woman in the late 1940s.

In agreement to the 1940s spring fever, Amy Lynn Kirchen’s 2010 Haute Couture Spring/Summer Collection is motivated by post-world war designs of the late 1940s — feminine lines, narrow skirts, and breathable linens. Kirchen, the designer behind ALK Fashion, said she will embody “some basic designs from the 1940s era with a twist of modern edge.”

“I have several ‘evening’ dresses that range from chic cocktail dresses to elegant haute couture designs, and I have designed a few ‘mini’ dresses for daytime wear that are sexy, stylish and fun,” said Kirchen.

Kirchen’s accessory line is just as reminiscent of the era as her evening and daytime attire. “Simple clutch purses, chunky accessories and heels in bright metallics will be hot this spring,” said Kirchen.

Designer Melissa Davis of Foxx Skynz by Design is also drawn to the 1940s. Davis was the winner of the Up & Coming Fashion Designer of the Year award in 2006 from BTE-TV. Now catering to a diverse range of Charlotte clients Davis stated that she is drawn to the ’40s. “That era has clean lines and classic silhouettes that flatter almost any body shape,” she said. “That mixed with some trends from the ’60s and ’80s creates a garment that is both striking and flattering on the individual.”

Some expectations of the daytime wear from the Davis collection are “knit wrap dresses and halter tops with flirty skirts. [I] love these pieces because they are both flattering and distinctive. The shapes work with the strengths of a woman’s body and the signature long wrap sashes further direct attention to those more desirable areas.”

This article appears in Apr 6-12, 2010.