Weekend Eye Candy - Charles James, 1940

Starting in 1933, Charles James showed variations on culottes in his collections.  These leg-wrapping garments always caused quite a sensation. This version, from 1940, shows his brilliant "Figure-8" skirt.  While the piece looks like a skirt, you can see how it is actually one pant leg with the rest of the fabric wrapping the other leg and buttoning at the front waist.  The skirt is cut on the bias from a single pattern piece that is shaped somewhat like a kidney bean.  It is paired with a bare midriff top and gold accessories including gold platform shoes.

Weekend Eye Candy - June Bride, 1940

Bride Barbara Cushing (later to be commonly known as Babe Paley) wore this exquisite silk jersey bridal gown by New York designer Mabel McIlbain Downs in 1940.  Downs was one of several American designers who became better known after WWII essentially shut down Paris couture. 

Photo by Horst.

Weekend Eye Candy - Lucille Ball, 1940

Lucille Ball wears a plush white fox fur jacket, 1940.