Style Scrapbook: Fabulous Forties - Miu Miu, The Aviator and the new 40s silhouette

Forties fashion has too often been associated with a somewhat fancy-dress style wartime nostalgia look. From the overly twee 'cupcakes and tea dresses' revival, to the dour and dowdy 'rationing-book-chic' tailoring in heavy tweedy fabrics cut close and built to last in order to save pennies.

The latest 40s inspired trend however, led by the fabulous Miu Miu, is something altogether more luxurious. More Hollywood siren than austere British land-girls.
You might be able to tell from previous posts that I am quite smitten with AW11 Miu Miu. For the collection in a nutshell, think statuesque boxy shoulders, sleek pencil skirts, peplums, intricate applique adornments and quite possibly the most breathtaking array of star-spangled footwear ever to grace the catwalk. With a colour palette ranging from lush crimson, dreamy mustard and camel, to dramatic navy - all accented with glitter-coated chunky heels - it is wearable art of the most captivating, fantastical sort.

Just take a look at Bruce Weber's dreamy, hazy, romantic shots of Hailee Steinfeld. Her selection as poster girl for this campaign is a masterstroke, juxtaposing a classically beautiful young actress with a delicate, youthful air against what would typically be seen as a mature, sophisticated style.

Hailee Steinfeld in Shoe Heaven!

The 40s look - which would seem traditionally high-maintenance and perhaps a little formal - seems to work well right now, fitting in beautifully alongside the more glamorous evening-wear side of the 70s trend. Studio 54-era Jerry Hall's platinum blonde waves were pure old-Hollywood glamour, and Bianca Jagger's dramatic androgynous suits were more than a little Katherine Hepburn.

Jerry Hall

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Bianca Jagger

Speaking of Ms Hepburn, for a wearable take on 40s style, the outfits designed for Cate Blanchett's portrayal of this legendary icon in Scorsese's epic The Aviator seem like a perfect lookbook for this season, in on-trend mustard, burgundy and rust colours.

Cate Blanchett as Katherine Hepburn in The Aviator

Evening Wear 40s Style

Thoroughly Modern Vintage Style: Brogues, Palazzos, Blouse

The high street already has a good few statement pieces on offer, from the Warehouse burgundy swallow-print dress mentioned in an earlier post to this ah-mazing Topshop Lily of the Valley print dress, which I am very impatiently waiting for to pop up instore!

Topshop Lily Of The Valley Dress: HURRY UP! I NEED YOU IN MY LIFE!

Autumn/Winter is the perfect time to inject a little glamour to your wardrobe and brighten up the dull days. Just don't forget that classic red lipstick for the ultimate 40s finishing touch!

hx