During and after the Second World War there were many cut-backs, in fuel, food and materials.
As part of the material rationing, there emerged the Utility Fashion, when clothes had to conform to regulations passed by the Board of Trade. These models, pictured in 1943, may look as if they are displaying straightforward normal fashions but in effect there are many alterations to the garments, both to cut down on the fabric used and worktime making them.
For a full display of Utility Fashions, also known as Austerity Fashions, see Remember When Issue 36 which will be available in shops early in February.
Also, we would like Chronicle and Remember When readers to dig into their own archives and send us their fashion pictures, before or after the war, through the 50s the rock'n'roll era, the mini skirts of the 60s, the flamboyant fashions of the 70s and the fashion trends of the 80s and 90s, male as well as female.
If you have any pictures or stories to tell Remember When, email Ray Marshall or write to him at: Remember When, Evening Chronicle, Groat Market, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1ED. You can also phone him on 0191 201 6239.
Tyne Bridge Publishing
is the publications section of Newcastle Libraries & Information Service.
Click here to find the best books on the local history of Tyneside.
Tyne Bridge Publishing
