1940’s Hairstyles for Black Women during WW2 – From the Library of Congress, two films of 1940’s hairstyles for black women. Rare gems, promoting an inclusive, though not entirely pluralist vision of American women during WW2. There is precious little film footage of black women’s fashion and style during the 1940’s. Some years back we …
Naomi Parker Fraley – The “Real We Can Do It” Girl Revealed in 2009. The then 89 year old woman behind an iconic feminist poster finally stepped forward. But the true story of Rosie the Riveter is not what you think ! Rosie the Riveter Song Rosie began in a song. This popular video of …
WAC Uniforms of the 1940s – Formed in 1942 as the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps, the name was shortened to Womens Army Corp. The WAC uniform went through several stages of development. The most recognizable item of the WAC uniform was the hobby hat named after WAC director Oveta Culp Hobby. The WAC cap had …
The United States Marine Corps Women’s Reserve- Glamourdaze continues its examination of uniforms worn by women serving in the American forces – in this case the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve or USMCWR . Similar to the men, but with lighter cloth, the Winter uniform of the MCWR consisted of forest green jacket, six gore skirt …
Color Photos of Canadian Women during WW2 – Marking the release of our 1940s WW2 Women Memorabilia packs, here are some extraordinary color photographs depicting WW2 Women of Canada. which come courtesy of the Library and Archives Canada. As in Britain, the role of women in Canada changed dramatically during WW2. Like their British counterparts, …
From unfaithful harlot to plucky Waaf – Conflicting Portrayals of WW2 Women On both sides of the Atlantic, there were many conflicting portrayals of gender roles, femininity and female sexuality. All of these messages doled out by the official War Office propaganda machine. From the patriotic hard working WAAF, Land Girl and Rosie the Riveter …
Sexist Ads in WW2 – 1940s Women Sexist ads in WW2 In stark contrast to the positive empowerment images of women in the 1940s, there were many sexist ads in WW2. Government warnings to service men to ‘keep mum’ and ‘chaste’ depicted women in time honored fashion; the female stereotype, addled of the mind, untrustworthy and ridden …
Dress Uniform Identification – It was the era of World War, the fight to defeat fascism across the world. Equality in the forces had a long way to go ( with the notable exception of the Soviet Armies and air forces). Women were not allowed to join direct combat, there were many roles filled by …
Glamour Girls of the US Navy – WAVES Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service, otherwise known as the WAVES brought thousands of young women in to the Women’s Reserve of the U.S Navy. They were assigned full military status, including ranks, and notably were the first to enlist African American women, albeit in the latter years …
Rare images of British women on the home front – Women on the home front Marking the release of our 1940s Wartime Women’s guides pack, here are some amazing images of women on the home front in Britain during the Blitz. See the Imperial War Museum who curate a rare series of color transparency slides. We …