Transformation

1920. Holy crap I'm bored.

Brisbane began the interwar years as essentially Victorian.  The skyline was spiked by church spires and factory chimneys but few buildings were over 4 or 5 storeys.  Horses were still a very common sight in the city streets with only a few households owning automobiles.  Photographs show Brisbane women in the first years after WWI wearing soft, flowing dresses, wide-brimmed hats, softly tailored jackets and dresses covering almost every square inch of flesh as well as carrying the ubiquitous parasol.  Men wore  waistcoats, ties, hats.

1920

1920

1919

However, by 1940 the city had been reshaped.  The CML building at 9 storeys was the tallest of all the new "skyscrapers".  The steel cobweb of the Story Bridge towered over the city and horses had been replaced by cars indefinitely.  

1939

The people were transformed, too which is clearly shown in their fashions.  The traditional, Victorian shapes were gone, with sharp tailoring in their place.  Closer-fitting clothes emphasised the body beneath in a strong, sexual way.  More skin was shown.  Hats were angular and sculptural.  Contrasts in colour and fabric, textures and cuts, added whimsy and interest.

1939

1939

1939

Convincing evidence is also given through the style of the photography moving from stiff, unsmiling poses to more natural, even candid, shots.  

1920

1936

Wedding photos are a great indication of the fashion for both genders and also indicate the mood of the time.  The two brides here are gorgeous.  The mob-cap like veil and calf length dress in 1920 are fantastic late Victorian shapes while the joyous veil with ears(?) of 1939 are just fun.

1920

1939