"French Fashions Reflect Events" (Woman's Journal, December 1939)

With war clouds gathering, there were plenty of "events" to "reflect" in late 1938.  However, the writers of a fashion column in a women's magazine weren't really interested in reflecting on them (in their Christmas issue, no less!)  Instead, they wrote about the latest designs from the great Paris fashion houses—including the fashions illustrated below.

The dress and coat that will lunch you charmingly in town then transport you to the country—still looking in the picture—are a difficult couple to find.  Molyneux's ensembles have just the right touch of perfect simplicity.  There is this pleated shirt frock of brick woollen, or the purple three-piece of a neat jumper suit beneath an equally neat fitted coat.  Very charming is also the beige jersey dress that shows its pleats under a delightful coat lined with moleskin and complete with hood.

From the mid-1930s to the end of World War II, Molyneux was a London-based designer, with branches in Monte Carlo, Cannes and Biarritz.  He began his fashion career working for Lucile in the years before the First World War.

Gaiety is abroad—let us glisten and gladden the heart of man.  Lelong has thought it out for us in three lovely Christmassy dresses.  White crêpe embroidered with gold for a long sleeved dinner frock—what lovlier with its ruched neck-line like an Elizabethan ruffle?  Silver spots on navy-blue crêpe—something very fascinating about this cleverly draped afternoon frock, and it has the right festive air.  Very chic too is the royal purple silk jersey dress gathered into soft lines under jewelled clips of special design.

The son of the owner of a textile business, Lucien Lelong opened his own fashion house in Paris shortly after  World War I.  With this background, it was not surprising that the house of Lelong became noted for its workmanship and beautiful fabrics.  Lelong became one of the first houses to open a ready-to-wear branch in 1934. 

Mainbocher presents, "Coats that are indeed coats"! 

Cuddle-up collars and swinging skirts.  Muffs and fur pockets—no chance of draughts!  But it is their distinction which wins hearts.  Each line is different.  the first in blue pilot cloth has large inlet godets in the front of the skirt only, the second of purple with astrakhan runs to a pouched back bodice and wide sleeves, while the third of bouclé is lavishly trimmed with friend fox, and has a straight front contrasted by a full back hanging free from the shoulders.

Woman's Journal took care to note that paper patterns were not available for these fashions.  However, chances were that it was possible for its British readers to buy (expensive) copies in some of the big department stores in London.