Hollywood glamour was the main influence on style in the 1930s and, despite the distance, New Zealanders were not immune to its allure. The flattened, boyish figure of the flappers softened into a more feminine style in the 1930s, with nipped-in waists and gentle puffs at the shoulder. Deeper shades were introduced. The bias-cutting technique developed in the 1920s was used to great effect in this decade, and the use of natural fibres continued. 1939 saw the invention of nylon, which was immediately a popular alternative to silk or rayon stockings. Unfortunately, the lingering effects of the Depression hindered the fashion-conscious and, for many New Zealanders, clothes were still simple and homemade. Perhaps as a result of the depressed mood worldwide, hemlines plummeted back to the ankle again.

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         Evening Coat                       Wedding Gown