In the World of Cinema and Fashion: Tailleurs Keep Their Popularity

Tailleurs keep their popularity

By: Victoria Chappell
International commentator on fashion

Since the middle of the twentieth century, "tailleur" fashions have kept their popularity as a formal costume dear to woman and beloved by her, one she cannot do without whatever her social class — especially since women today perform regular work in the civic field, and since the employee, the directress, and the girl who enters this field all find in the "tailleur" numerous merits, such as refinement and good taste. For this reason they sacrifice a little money to secure such a costume for their wardrobes. And the great merchants encourage them in this! Moreover, a woman's personality stands out in the tailleur more than in any other dress.

The reader will see in the drawing printed here how the designers have given this new-style tailleur two vests: the first with buttons along one side, and a second vest of black velvet cut to the same pattern. And for harmony, the pockets with their triangular corners were given a velvet trim in the color of the under-vest. This tailleur, taken as a whole, is an application of the classical theories of fashion; it admits of any ornament, alteration, or change the wearer may see fit, by the addition of a few accessories tied to the woman's personal taste. This costume may properly be worn with various kinds of hats, and the color of the vest and the color of the pocket trim may be changed. These models may be worn in city or country alike. Some of them are cut in a way that makes the woman look more mobile, lively, and brisk in her walk, as the London studios and its great fashion houses have made them.

And in the models printed on the two following pages you will find various designs of the modern tailleurs, American and Parisian, representing — as the great fashion houses of the world have announced — the favorite costume for the winter of 1950–1951.

(1) A "tailleur" of pink wool... Bois de Rose. The jacket shows off the waist exactly and is drawn in with a leather belt — while the collar, the cuff-ends, and the pockets set at hip height are finished in black velvet.

(2) A formal "tailleur" of checked wool — the skirt narrow — the jacket with rounded corners and turned-back pockets set at hip height — a cravat of fur.