Era Fashions

Standing - Cindy Sierk, Marilyn Krenger, Julie Kluttz, Esther Meyer and Callie Bartlett
Sitting - Mary Markes, Linda Morford, Phyllis Pease-White and Esther Ione Norton
Missing from the picture is Gail Shafer Crane

GETTING STARTED
What you really need to learn first.
By Esther Meyer

Welcome to the fun and exciting world of Model A Era Fashion (1928 to 1931). This world is available for men, women and children. The entire family may enjoy the fun of fashion.
Whatever area of “A” fashions you are interested in, the Fashion Committee is always here to assist you. We encouraged you to enter an outfit in fashion judging participate in or at least come to a fashion show, or volunteer and become a part of the Fashion Committees operation.

Never before in the history of fashion had there been such a drastic change in women’s fashion as there had been in the 4 year period of the Model A, 1928 – 1931. The dresses went from short and straight to long and form fitting.

The first and most important thing to do, if you wish to wear era fashions is to learn everything you can about how the outfits looked and how they were worn. Vintage clothing dealers usually generalize by decades and therefore cannot pin point the exact year of the article. We have four specific years (28 – 31) to know for and they did change a lot over those years. If you ask for a specific year in a vintage clothing shop, they will find something to sell you, most likely not correct.

The best source of information is Marc of Fashion, the fashion standards for judging. It contains many examples of era fashion along with information about the judging. You may purchase MARC of Fashion from the MARC office or through the Model A News. The next best sources are magazines and catalogs of the Model A Era. Look for these at swap meets, antique shop, book stores, libraries, etc. Just about all magazines of the era will show some sort of fashions, be it an advertisement for the home or an ad to buy patterns. Look for magazines from 1927 and 1932; they will help you to see the small changes, while those from the early 20’s and late 30’s will show the more drastic changes. There are modern books written about the era fashions, and also reprints of ear catalogs. Also start educating yourself by reading the Model A News magazine that you receive every other month. There is at least one article done by a Fashion Committee member. Go to the public library in your area and see what they have on fashions of the Model A Era.

Let all your family, neighbors or everyone else you run into know that you are interested in fashions of 1928 though 1931. They may have something in the attic that you are looking for and can use.

We feel the best way to get started in Era Fashions is to study by reading all articles and descriptions you can find of the fashions. Sometimes old movies help, but they are not always correct ion the dress of the era. Also attend the Fashion Seminars that are presented at the Membership and National MARC meets. Visit the Model A Links category for links to great fashion web sites.
 

Fashion News