Classic Haute Couture Fashion

Iconic black-and-white images of vintage haute couture dresses and elegant outfits, representing timeless fashion styles from the mid-20th century.

Hollywood, California, 1936Noted model and actress Anita Colby shows off her navy wool cape suit with red kid trim. and stylish hat to accompany it.

Paris Spring Fashions - Balmain "Jolie Madame 1955", Pierre Balmian's line at his spring show in Paris, features a natural bust, slim waist and full hips. This model, called "Golconoe" is a pearl and diamond embroidered evening dress with a full skirt, worn with a white satin coat trimmed with white fox fur. February 23, 1955. (Photo by Associated Press Photo)

Hollywood, California, 1936Noted model and actress Anita Colby shows off her navy wool cape suit with red kid trim. and stylish hat to accompany it.

***** Miss NSW, ***** Pat Woodley, talks over with models Hazel Rogers (left) preparations for a mannequin parade she will compere at the Trocadero between 12.30 and 2.30 tomorrow. October 30, 1951.

Another typically Fontana model - black silk velvet, ***** appliqued with fine white lace, embroidered with tiny pearls. A typical Fontana model - black silk velvet appliqued with lace. Winner and friend will attend an Italian fashion show. June 15, 1949.

Poll photo collection. Fashion house Paquin. A model at fashion house Paquin, Paris. 1936. France, Paris

The straight look in Worth's cocktail suit in copper coloured faille -- a long straight jacket worn over a long waisted dress. February 01, 1955.

In the Image, coat from 1946.

12/31/1944. In the Image, evening dress in two Pieces.

Fashion show 1934. The department store NK in Stockholm is host for the Austrian fashion show, and the Vienna fashion models are wearing the latest dresses from the Donautown. January 22 1934

Balenciaga suit of grey flannel and a grey straw hat with drooping brim and Jampot crown are Mrs. Lennox Bode's choice for the first day of the Spring Meeting. September 23, 1951.

12/31/1961. In the Image, Black and White Checkered wool coat with two Bows on the Buttons, Lanvin Castillo model. Sarah Saint Hubert Saw It.

Anefo photo collection. Fashion show N. V. Berghuis Amsterdam. March 5, 1953

12/31/1941. Elegant spring set in Gray, with a Collarless jacket, and a suit with Horizontal Stripes Forming a peak on the body with the Stripes Placed Vertically.

Fashion in Germany. In the Image, coat from 1942.

Track Suit -- Appropriately enough, this neat little number (the dress, of course) is named "Winning Time." Designed by Lynn Lester, California designer, it is modeled at Hollywood Park's exclusive Turf Club. The dress is of raw silk, has cap sleeves, slash pockets and leather-lined belt. Norma Crieger is the model. She wears a winning smile to match the dress. January 13, 1946. (Photo by Arthur Sasse, International News Photo).

Anefo photo collection. Series fashion show in Bellevue in Amsterdam. September 28, 1951. Amsterdam, Noord-Holland

Arctic Fox Stole was worn by Mrs. Bill White over her beautiful gown of guipure lace and organza to the fourth of July ball. Mrs. White sold flags for the Iron Lung Pool at the Trocadero Ball. April 27, 1954.

Mrs. W. R. Dovey, wife of Mr Justice Dovey of Sydney, photographed as she will appear in Westminster Abbey for the Coronation. Her gown is of Royal blue "scintillating georgette", with a softly-draped skirt, V-neckline, and extended shoulders. It is trimmed on the bodice with blue and silvery beads to match those finishing her blue velvet curvette, from which falls a short veil of nylon net. She carries a Russian ermine cape. June 03, 1953.

The 40s... black lace, Empire skirt. August 22, 1953. (Photo by ACME Newspictures, Inc.).

This bare midriff sari, something daringly new in Oriental fashion, is in the wardrobe of Mrs. Onally Gulamhusein, wife of a wealthy Ceylon merchant, who is in London on honeymoon. Onally is only twenty-one-the grey in her hair is artificial. May 22, 1951.

Woman hanging a valance

Woman wearing a hat and veil by the French fashion designer Jacques Fath, France, 1943. Artist: Unknown

Taking The Curves -- There is romance and feminine grace in this evening gown by Rome's famed Fontana Sisters, typical of the offerings of Italian designers, who have agreed to keep female curves in fashion this fall, the ball gown is done in white net over mango taffeta. The full skirt and moulded bodice are embroidered lavishly with sequins, semi-precious stones and metallic thread, with tiers of lace encircling the skirt. August 05, 1955. (Photo by United Press Photo)

Attractive skirt, with a cummerbund waistband, is in a new printed nylon taffeta, showing a delicate black design on a caramel ground. It is worn with a blouse in sheer nylon organsa threaded with gold. C1962

Two women wearing ball gowns

Portrait of elegant young woman in front of arch

Anefo photo collection. Women's mode trade fair in the ApolloHal. November 11, 1957

An open umbrella into which jewelry, perfume or other articles can be quickly popped comes under careful scrutiny. July 13, 1955.

London Fashion Designers- the work of Members of the Incorporated Society of London Fashion Designers, London, England, UK, 1945 A model wear a black dinner frock by fashion designer Peter Russell. The dress has a fish net back, arms and hem.

Burmese Beauty buys a Bonnet. May 26, 1955. (Photo by United Press Photo).

1936

Anefo photo collection. Fashion show N. V. Berghuis Amsterdam. March 5, 1953

Anefo photo collection. Fashion show N. V. Berghuis Amsterdam. March 5, 1953

Anefo photo collection. Fashion show Germaine Lecomte in Amstel Hotel. October 13, 1951

Young woman in long dress posing by chaise longue

The Queen's shoes. February 16, 1954.

Mrs. Marcel Dekyvere and Mrs. Reg Moses arriving at Prince's for the Wool Ball held in June 1948. Both women are wearing elegant wool evening gowns. Striking Wool frocks, one of lipstick red, one of tiered black wool sheer, were worn by Mrs. Marcel Dekyvere and Mrs. Reg Moses, committee members in the ball. June 6, 1948.

Greek Fashion Show in Paris. Photographs of Marshall Plan Programs, Exhibits, and Personnel

A jumper suit of pure white crepe de Chine splashed with black from Marshall & Snelgrove, one of a quartette of outfits, showcased by the Tatler as being ideal for the Coronation summer of 1953. The top has scalloped edges trimmed with flat ruching and ties on one hip, over a knife-pleated skirt. The huge straw hat is trimmed with a velvet ribbon. Date: 1953

Maureen Kistle Miss ***** Queensland, in her ***** length gown of ***** white tulle and guipure *****, and emerald green stole shoes. November 2, 1955.

Anefo photo collection. Coffee table and fashion show Restaurant De Kroon The Hague. June 14, 1952

Latest swim suits are modelled by Miss Australia Quest entrants Pat Rea (left), of Sydney, and "Ronnie" Goodlett, a Victorian candidate. The swim suits are made of elasticised satin. July 12, 1947.

Villainous Don John, illegitimate brother of Don Pedro, whose plotting causes much of the ado about nothing in the play, is a dramatic figure in black, with gold-slashed sleeves and a gold clasp at the throat. December 01, 1949.

Anefo photo collection. Fashion show in the Minervapaviljoen. May 2, 1946

Charles Creed - Fashion Designer. February 25, 1954.

Anefo photo collection. Fashion show N. V. Berghuis Amsterdam. March 5, 1953

Utility Clothes- Fashion Restrictions in Wartime Britain, 1943 A model poses on a Bloomsbury rooftop to show off her two-tone Atrima dress, costing 7 coupons.

FASHION-Woman in Gibson Girl fashion. 1912

In the Image, dressing gown from 1929.

Germaine Leconte, Paris, September 1942. The photographer is unknown.

Historic photograph, fashion in the twenties, around 1928

Anefo photo collection. Jewelry and fashion show in the Kurhaus. September 28, 1948

In the Image, large evening coat made of brown and gold brocade silk from 1957, model by Pedro Rodríguez.

The Balanchines at Dior. Photographs of Marshall Plan Programs, Exhibits, and Personnel

Vintage Photograph. Women shopping for wedding dresses at specialty store.

The Big Day

Women's fashion in the 1940s. A young woman in a typical 1940s outfit. A black long dress with a beautiful pattern embroidered on the top. Her name is Hjördig Genberg and is the wife of British actor David Niven. Photo Kristoffersson Ref X34-5. Sweden 1946

The magnificent vestment, the Imperial mantle donned by King George VI following his anointing in the Coronation ceremony, seen as it was nearing completion at the Royal School of Needlework, South Kensington. It was beautifully adorned with shamrock, thistle and other emblems of the United Kingdom. Date: 1937

12/31/1948. On the left. White coat with very wide beaver bordered sleeves. On the Right, black wool set adorned with ocelot skin on the edge of the Wide Sleeves and on the Neck. Both Models are the creation of Marcelle Chanmont.

Pontresina: Life in the High Alps of Switzerland -- The National Costume Of The Engadin, dark-red and white with yellow embroidery and whit woolen knee-length stockings and buckle shoes is worn here by Alice Gianotti-Calonder. Her father is bank manager of the Cantonal Bank, her mother owns the 'Piz Suss' patisserie, smartest Pontresina cafe. Alice serves behind the sweets counter but she also serves customers at table. January 22, 1948. (Photo by Pictorial Press Photo).

1960S Pretty Young Woman In Evening Dress At Beauty Pageant Wearing Fur Stole And Tiara Holding Bouquet Of Roses

In the Image, coat from 1931.

London Fashion Designers- the work of Members of the Incorporated Society of London Fashion Designers, London, England, UK, 1945 Actress Peggy Bryan models the wedding dress designed for her by fashion designer Bianca Mosca. The dress is to be worn by Peggy in the new British horror film 'Dead of Night'.

Glamorous woman looking in mirror (EV004280_H)

Georgian, cereorated English columnist, has voted Princess Margaret to be the most outstanding personality of the year. The honor has often been bestowed upon a politician, writer or athlete but, for 1949, Georgian could find no such person and granted the title to the princess because of her "aliveness," which is said to "infect the rest of us who are devitalised by events."Trousers and slacks in the US can now be protected by plastic tubular leggings which fit neatly over the legs clamping on to pocket edges. They are worn by quite a large percentage of the population for rainy weather or muddy walks. July 7, 1947. (Photo by Dorothy Wilding).

Princess Maud of Wales (1869 - 1938), later Queen of Norway, youngest daughter of King Edward VII, pictured in her wedding dress for her marriage to Prince Charles (Carl) of Denmark. Her dress was of ivory satin woven at Spitalfields, with a plain skirt edged with a chiffon ruche, dotted with orange blossom, jessamine and myrtle. The 4 1/2 yard long train was decorated with bows of chiffon and flowers and the low bodice similarly trimmed, while the waist has a deep belt of silver embroidery.

Mary Jane, fashion choices, Toni Frissell, Antoinette Frissell Bacon, Antoinette Frissell

Young woman sitting in a department store and holding stockings (EV005749_H)

Woman in lingerie holding a Christmas wreath (EV006953_H)

Glamorous Vera Clouzot, 26, and Brazilian born film star of the Grand Prix film "The Wages of Fear", arrived in London from Paris yesterday bringing with her some of the newest Paris fashions. She is pictured here wearing a hand beaded short evening dress by Dior. The dress is silk embroidered over horse hair.Glamorous Vera Clouzot, star of the Grand Prix film Wages of Fear, who arrived in London this week, bringing with her some of the latest Paris fashions. She is wearing a hand-beaded short evening dress by Dior. March 26, 1954. (Photo by Daily Mirror).

Woman walking into a room wearing lingerie and holding a hat box

Anefo photo collection. A fashion show during a meeting of the Dutch Association of Rural Women in Alkmaar. 12 February 1951. Alkmaar, Noord-Holland

Poll photo collection. Fashion photos in Auteuil. Three women with hats. 28 June 1936. France, Paris

Vintage Photograph. Woman throws bouquet in studio portrait wearing a wedding dress.

In the Image, black satin hat from 1921.

In the Image, coat from 1938. Autumn models Seen in Longehamp.

This is how a marchioness will look on Coronation Day. Resplendent! Her rich robe sweeps to the floor in a cataract of opulent velvet, flowing out into one-and-three-quarter yards of train. October 24, 1952. (Photo by Daily Mirror).

United States: c. 1936. Two women model the newest in bathing attire.

03/31/1959. Dior fashion show held at the Liria Palace organized by the Duchess of Alba to benefit the Salesian Schools of Francos Rodríguez. In the Image, Dior model in tobacco-colored natural chiffon printed in Various Shades of Gray.

In the Image, coat from 1944.

Preparing For The Day: Out of storage come the Coronation robes of the Countess of Darnley, last worn by her mother-in-law. A little early, perhaps, but Lady Darnley is taking part in a B.B.C. film on the Coronation which is to be shown on television. August 28, 1952.

Poll photo collection. Fashion photos in Auteuil. Two models with hats. 28 June 1936. Paris

London Fashion Designers- the work of Members of the Incorporated Society of London Fashion Designers in Wartime, London, England, UK, 1944 In the workrooms of the fashion designer Norman Hartnell in London, a seamstress fits an afternoon frock onto a stand. The original caption states that 'the stands used in the workrooms are each adjusted to the client's measurements'.

1930s ELEGANTLY DRESSED WOMAN WALKING ALONG SIDEWALK LOOKING AT CAMERA WEARING BELTED FUR TRIM COAT HAT GLOVES CARRYING PURSE

Ladies fashion in the 1930s. Pictured to the left Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna of Russia (1890ñ1958). She became interested in design and made business with Coco Chanel. She established herself as a fashiondesigner in America and her she presents an evening gown of her own design on Dec 17 1930.

Woman applying make-up

Anefo photo collection. Fashion show Victoria Hotel. See 24170. October 18, 1947

Anefo photo collection. Exhibition of stage costumes in Amsterdam. Exhibitions, theater costumes. October 15, 1965. Amsterdam, Noord-Holland

Giaul stocking made by show girl & artist Haley Anderson, President to Red Cross. November 29, 1942.

Anefo photo collection. Fashion show. June 6, 1946

Poll photo collection. Fashion photos in Auteuil. Model with hat. 28 June 1936. France, Paris

Photograph of Dorothy Edwards (1917-1979) being fitted for her costume for 'The Seekers'.

Poll photo collection. Advertising photography. Model De Decker with hat. 1936. France, Paris

Anefo photo collection. Fashion show Mannequins Fath for the Bate of the Queen Wilhelmina Fund. April 2, 1955. Amsterdam, Noord-Holland

A photograph taken from a fashion feature in Britannia and Eve magazine showing the latest style in wedding dresses. Date: 01/06/1947

Grace le Brun, ballet mistress, tries on a Puss in Boots costume in Grace Sorlie's *****. March 12, 1952.

Anefo photo collection. Haircut show of the women's hairdresser club "Marcel" in Amsterdam V.L.n.R. Mannequin Malt (Haircut Rademaker Soest), Rosita (Haircut of Tiggelen Zeist), Francoise $. March 19, 1959. Amsterdam

Society girls as amateur mannequins at Dorothy Law's dress show in March 1939. From left to right, the group shows Miss Anne Nettlefold, Miss Joan O'Malley, Miss Muriel Cunningham, Miss Pamela Stokes, Miss Ursula Livingstone-Learmouth and Miss Hermione Lascelles wearing the models displayed. Date: 1939

Two Hartnell gowns to be worn at the Coronation. The fuller dress is of heavy satin, lavishly embroidered with glass bugles cascading down the front. The other is made of lace covered entirely with hand sewn sequins, paillettes and crystals. Note the entire absence of full skirts, sleeves and other accessories now customary on evening gowns. They are utterly severe in design, yet graceful, and rely on style for their charm. October 24, 1952. (Photo by Daily Mirror).

Anefo photo collection. Fashion cabaret Doelhotel Amsterdam. October 17, 1952. Amsterdam, Noord-Holland

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