The F/W 12 collections were rife with 40s inspiration, with strong-shouldered tailoring, movie-star-worthy furs (and fur stoles), and more than a few references to Marlene Dietrich. Unsurprisingly, Miu Miu’s F/W 11 collection was the catalyst for this lingering (40s) fixation, though designers ranging from Donna Karan to Zac Posen and Michael Kors looked to the more sophisticated, adult style of the decade rather than the saccharine sweet day dresses revived on Ms. Miuccia’s runway. Below, a series of our favorite looks alongside period inspiration.
Donna Karan F/W 12: Rita Hayworth & Marlene Dietrich circa late 40s
Marlene Dietrich in Morocco, 1932; Donna Karan F/W 12
Donna Karan F/W 12; 40s-era fashion plate
Skirt suit circa late 40s; Zac Posen F/W 12
Zac Posen F/ W 12: Le Petit Echo de la Mode, 12 Octobre 1947
circa 40s; Michael Kors F/W 12; New York circa 40s; Marilyn Monroe by Bert Stern early 60s
Michael Kors F/W 12; Marlene Dietrich circa late 40s-early 50s
Looking at it makes me realize how important the past designs for the the present designers.