Elegant Fashion Photography in the 1930s

Fashion in the 1930s was characterized by elegance and sophistication, reflecting both the economic challenges and the glamorous escapism of the era.

Fashion photography in the 1930s

For women, the decade saw the rise of longer hemlines, with floor-length gowns for evening wear and mid-calf skirts for daytime. Dresses often featured soft, flowing fabrics like silk and chiffon, with an emphasis on draped silhouettes and defined waists. The era also popularized the bias-cut technique, which created a flattering, body-skimming effect.

Overall, the 1930s fashion was about balancing practicality with style, reflecting both the challenges of the Great Depression and the escapist allure of Hollywood glamor. These elegant photos captured portraits of classic beauties wearing fashion designs in the 1930s.

Lee Miller in a gown by Jeanne Lanvin, photo by George Hoyningen-Huene, 1931

British actress Joan Maude, Vivex color print by Madame Yevonde, 1932

Fashion study for Harper's Bazaar by George Hoyningen-Huene, 1932

Mary Taylor wearing white angora hat with grosgrain band by Maria Guy, photo by Edward Steichen, Vogue, 1933

Mme. Hilling wears Lanvin's Russian diadem of ebony and silver metal, and quilted silver sleeves, photo by George Hoyningen-Huene, Vogue, October 1, 1933

"Bound for Hawaii", two models on the deck of the liner Lurline, photo by Edward Steichen, Vogue, 1934

Actress Tilly Losch is wearing an exotic metallic headpiece designed by Cecil Beaton for her stage performance in the London revue Streamline, Vogue UK, December 1934

Cora Hemmet in a fur hat with voilette by Rose Descat, dress by Edward Molyneux, jewelry by Cartier, photo by Horst P. Horst, Vogue, 1935

Evelyn Greig in bathing suit by Jantzen, photo by Horst P. Horst, Vogue, July 1934

Janet Ryan wearing three Tiffany bracelets and Lanvin's gold lamè top and slim black skirt- the ensemble includes a matching gold lamè jacket, photo by Toni von Horn, Harper's Bazaar, January 1934

Model in day suit with pleated jacket by Marcel Rochas, photo by George Saad, 1934

Model wearing a felt slouch hat by Rose Descat, sweater by Jane Regny, photo by Horst P. Horst, Vogue 1934

"Woman with white dove", photo by Harry Meerson, 1935

Actress Mary Heberden, photo by Edward Steichen, Vogue, 1935

Evening gown by Marcel Rochas, photo by Constantin Joffé, 1935

German actress Elizabeth Bergner, photo by Edward Steichen, 1935

Mademoiselle Cora Hemmet modeling ensemble by Elsa Schiaparelli, photo by Horst P. Horst, Vogue, 1935

Model in beige and brown tweed ensemble, the cape is lined in brown wool, scarf and toque are in brown broadtail lamb, by Goupy, photo by Madame d'Ora, 1935

Model in black crêpe evening dress with cut-out back by Alix (later known as Grès), photo by Madame d'Ora, Paris, 1935

"Fashion Study with Cigarette", suit by Maggy Rouff, hat by Suzy, photo by Horst P. Horst, 1936

A color advertisement for Lucky Strike cigarettes, photo by Nickolas Muray, 1936

Betty McLauchlen in polka-dot dress by Carolyn Modes, photo by Horst P. Horst, November 1936

Betty McLauchlen in print dress and jacket by Jane Engel, photo by Horst P. Horst, 1936

Dolores del Rio in tennis whites, photo by Martin Munkacsi, 1936

Helen Bennett wearing a ring and bracelets of diamonds and aquamarines by Tiffany & Company, photo by Horst P. Horst, Vogue, 1936

Helen Bennett, photo by Horst P. Horst, French Vogue, 1936

Lady Marguerite Strickland photographed for an early advertisement for Matita fashions by Norman Parkinson, 1936

Lyla Zelensky in tunic by Alix (later Madame Grès), sandals by Bally, photo by Horst P. Horst, 1936

Model in beautiful evening gown of black tulle by Mainbocher, photo by Man Ray, 1936

Models in evening dresses by Marcel Rochas, photo by Georges Saad, 1936

Silver grapes trim the veil and shoulders of this lamé jacket that Lanvin paired with a wool skirt, photo by Andre Durst, Vogue, October 1, 1936

Actress Joan Fontaine in Charles James' delicate dress with ribbon bodice, photo by Horst P. Horst, Vogue, June 15, 1937

Betty McLauchlen in black thin-strapped evening dress with coiffure by Ivan, photo by Lusha Nelson, 1937

Betty McLauchlen in short-sleeved print crêpe dress by Jay-Thorpe, photo by Horst P. Horst, Vogue, 1937

Ludmila Feodoseyevna is wearing a visored, draped toque and dark gloves, holding a handbag - split bamboo with a leather strap, photo by Lusha Nelson, Vogue, 1937

Advertising photo for Matita, 1938

Fashion photo by Norman Parkinson for Harper's Bazaar, October 1938

Model in matte silk jersey dress printed in tropical colors fit for Palm Beach, photo by Louise Dahl-Wolfe, Harper's Bazaar, 1938

Model in strapless gown of black velvet and madonna blue silk faille, the skirt stiffened with horsehair, from Henri Bendel, photo by John Rawlings, 1938

Helen Bennett in ensemble by Bergdorf Goodman, jewelry by Olga Tritt, photo by Horst P. Horst, 1939

Model in dress by Hattie Carnegie, photo by Horst P. Horst, 1939

Model in jacket and cap from Bergdorf Goodman, brooch by Cartier, photo by Horst P. Horst, 1939

Model is wearing dress by Hattie Carnegie and jewelry by Flato, photo by Louise Dahl-Wolfe, Harper's Bazaar, September 1939

Model Muriel Maxwell in white sunglasses putting on lipstick, wearing red-white-and-blue turban, and holding a red-and-white striped bag, photo by Horst P. Horst used as cover for American Vogue, July 1, 1939

Muriel Maxwell wears a veiled hat, with plaid blouse and pocketbook by John Frederics, photo by Horst P. Horst, 1939