The Fashion Statement: A Forties Revival

In a few weeks, the official word will be out. That's when September fashion issues hit the newsstands and editors have their final say on trends after months of cataloging and analyzing thousands of collections.

Much will be said about the '40s, one of the strongest themes of the season. There will be talk of Hollywood-like glamorous gowns, somber tweeds, fur stoles, strong shoulders and the exaggerated hip-to-waist ratio. You might see aviation goggles and pilot gear à la the era of Amelia Earhart and Beryl Markham. Models could be channeling Katherine Hepburn or Joan Crawford.

It seems to be a universal truth: It takes about 20 years for a trend to circle back around again. Looks we embraced 10 years ago are hideous now. Anybody up for a squared-toed, two-inch heel from Gucci, circa 1999? See what I mean? But 20 years ago is a different story. Look around, '80s references are mainstream: skinny jeans, flats and leggings everywhere.

But what's going on when a decade from the last century pops up? Big shoulder pads on a jacket with a nipped-in waist suddenly looks and feels right. And everybody thinks so. The list of '40s proponents is a mile long with heavy hitters like Lanvin, Prada, Bottega Veneta, Dolce & Gabbana, Elie Saab, Aquilano.Rimondi and Hermès leading the way.