IT WAS a time when Rita Hayworth and Judy Garland were adored by men and envied by women.
The 1940s may have been played out against the backdrop of war and pinching the pennies, but it was also one of the most glamorous periods of modern history.
Girls pinned their hair up and rolled up their sleeves for factory work but, at night, the hairspray came out and charcoal was used to create the look of seamed tights.
Now, all the glamour and sophistication of the 1940s is enjoying a big revival.
"The glamour and the dances were a way of taking the edge off everyone being miserable about the war," said The Fringe owner Susan Vargas.
The hairdresser's in Newland Avenue held a 1940s evening, complete with vintage outfits borrowed from Dove House Hospice @ No87, which is also on the avenue.
The vintage-themed shop opened last year to cater for the students, artists and people in the area who are seeking out clothing that harks back to a time of glitz, glamour and dancing.
"Everyone is really loving vintage fashion and trends at the moment, especially the 1940s," said Susan.
"We have a lot of girls coming into the salon asking us to show them how to do the victory rolls.
"There is a huge following of vintage, especially in this area, so we decided to do a special 1940s night.
"We did the girls' hairstyles and they absolutely loved it."
The evening at the salon on Wednesday night, kicked off with a demonstration where stylists showed wannabe starlets how to create their perfect sultry siren do.
Models then posed in their new styles and clothing donated from the Dove House's dedicated vintage shop, which is based just down the road from The Fringe.
One-to-one consultations were then given so the women who visited knew how to do their own hair.
Susan said: "We had three girls from a choir singing dressed in their uniforms and the models showed off their hair. It all looked absolutely amazing, the atmosphere was brilliant.
"It was so successful. we definitely want to do it again."
The salon has already organised its next 1940s night and hopes to hold other themed-days through the decades from the 1920s to 1970s.
Susan said: "The 1940s is probably the most popular right now, so we held that one first.
"During the beginning of that period, we were starting to win the war and then Christian Dior brought out the longer-length dresses.
"Cinemas and dances were very popular and girls loved getting dressed up for a night out – it was something glamorous to look forward to.
"In the early 1940s, they were struggling but, by the end, there was something to celebrate.
"The 1940s and vintage is having a big revival now – you only have to see programmes like Mr Selfridge and Call The Midwife to know that."
The next 1940s night at The Fringe will be on Wednesday, April 17.
Call 01482 470232 for more details.
• Picture gallery: 1940s style at The Fringe salon, Hull
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.