For thousands of women throughout Second World War, fashion was not simply a distraction, but a necessity. Women maintained a sense of elegance and style with determination and ingenuity, despite rationing, conscription and bombing. From the young woman who made knickers from military-issue silk maps, to Vogue‘s indomitable editor Audrey Withers, who balanced lobbying government on behalf of her readers with driving lorries for the war effort. In Fashion on a Ration: Style on a Second World War Julie Summers weaves together stories from ordinary lives and high society, combined with beautiful illustrations and attention to detail.
