DECADES OF STYLE

TRENDS COME AND GO, BUT TRUE BEAUTY AND STYLE STANDS THE TEST OF TIME. LOOK BACK WITH US AT THE ICONS OF ELEGANCE

Our beauty editor Tracy Davis and style director Leigh Matheson on the icons of elegance across the eras

There was nothing subtle about the make-up of the ‘30s, where neutral shades of eyeshadow were heavily defined with kohl and brows plucked into unnaturally thin arches. Cheeks were generously rouged and lips drawn into an exaggerated Cupid’s bow.

‘I never said I want to be alone. I only said I want to be left alone. There’s a big difference’

Wallis Simpson not only changed the course of royal history, but the Duchess of Windsor also dictated the style of the entire era. The major trends were ankle-length hemlines with puffed shoulders and sleeves, and nipped-in waists.

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1 Yardley London English Lavender Brilliantine, $19.99 2 Mita FloralJewel Bobby Pin, $8.99 3 Benefit DandelionDew Liquid Blush, $49 4 Bourjois Smoky Eyes Eyeshadow Trio, $35.

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Right: Julia Yates, formerly of Trilby Yates, purveyor of quality ladies’ frocks in Auckland’s Queen St, was regarded as the doyenne of New Zealand fashion in the ‘30s.

Many women envied the sleek style of Wallis Simpson.

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1 London Sicily bucket hat $89.90 from Witchery 2 Dhloe handbag $110 from Dune London 3 Capture knit wrap dress $89.99 from EziBuy.1

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