History of Fashion (1900-1910)

Study Notes

Edwardian Era 'Belle Epoque' (1900-1910)

Fashion indicated social class, reflecting wealth and status.
Owner classes did not have a specific fashion style during this period.

Women's Fashion (1900-1910)

Prominent features included S-bend corsets, plumed hats, high-neck blouses, trailing skirts.
Fashion was ostentatious, ultra-feminine, and often impractical.

S-bend Corset (1900-1910)

Known as the health corset, it created an unrealistic body shape.
In use until 1908, it restricted movement significantly.

1907 Onwards (1900-1910)

Marked the emancipation of women and advancements in technology such as automobiles.
Shift towards more practical fashion with lower necklines, flowy designs, and short sleeves.

Fashion Inspired by Menswear (1900-1910)

Emergence of tailored jackets and two-piece 'tailor-made' suits.
Designed for versatility and cost-effectiveness, allowing for a single outfit suitable for multiple occasions.

First Half (1910-1920)

Corsets were discarded for a more fashion-conscious, comfortable fit.
Shift towards light, flexible fabrics, with jersey gaining importance for tight-fitting styles.

1914 Onwards (1910-1920)

Clothing became more practical to support women aiding in the war effort.
Trousers and shorter skirts became standard across classes.

Gabrielle Chanel (1916, 1910-1920)

Introduced simplicity in design, including drop-waisted garments and outdoor clothing.
Popularized costume jewelry as an affordable accessory option.

The Roaring 20s (1920-1930)

A time of economic contrasts, with fashion becoming accessible to the middle class.
Post-war influences led to distinct attire reflecting social status.

Entertainment (1920-1930)

The introduction of electric lighting spurred nightlife and the jazz age.
Cultural shifts included a 'bright young things' lifestyle characterized by moral loosening.

Garçon Look (1920-1930)

Androgynous style featuring a flat-chested silhouette, low waists, and boyish hairstyles.
A response to post-war simplicity, often low-cost.

Flapper Girls (1920-1930)

Young women embracing modern freedoms, engaging in dancing, socializing, and smoking.
Characterized by shorter garments and bold beauty standards.

Short Skirt (1920-1930)

Skirts were approximately 5cm above the knee, an evolution in length to allow movement.
Emphasized the legs, whilst minimizing the focus on the rest of the body.

Bell/Cloche Hat (1920-1930)

Defined by its dome shape, designed to complement bobbed hairstyles, enhancing the overall look of the time.

Sportswear (1920-1930)

Introduced more practical materials like jersey and featured shorter skirt lengths.
Increased popularity of swimming costumes and leisure activities such as sunbathing.

Gabrielle Chanel Continued (1920-1930)

The Little Black Dress (LBD) debuted in 1926, symbolizing elegance and versatility.
Introduced blazers for women made of practical materials.

1927 (1920-1930)

Returned to more feminine styles as society sought comfort during difficult economic times.
Shift in desires coincided with the Wall Street crash in 1929.

Time of Hardship (1930-1940)

The Great Depression led to subdued clothing colors and styles, with an emphasis on mending and repurposing clothes.
Fashion represented similar styles across social classes, influenced by American cinema.

Silhouette (1930-1940)

Focus on elegant, feminine attire; popularized fitted cuts with wide shoulders and longer skirts.
Backless evening gowns became fashionable for formal occasions.

Mass Production (1930-1940)

Haute couture designs mass-produced for wider public access, resulting in affordability.
Introduction of lighter fabrics and more functional designs for everyday wear.

Elsa Schiaparelli (1890-1973, 1930-1940)

Established a fashion house in Paris in 1930, known for surrealist influences and innovative designs.
Created the wrap dress and unique items like the shoe hat.

World War 2 (1940-1950)

Marked a shift towards democratization of fashion, prioritizing practicality over extravagance.
Emergence of uniforms for women, as Paris lost its fashion dominance during and after the war.

Description

Explore the fascinating trends in the history of fashion during the Edwardian Era or 'Belle Epoque' from 1900 to 1910. This quiz highlights the defining features of women's fashion, focusing on iconic elements like the S-bend corset and other extravagant clothing styles. Test your knowledge and understand how social status influenced fashion choices during this period.

History of Fashion (1900-1910)

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Questions and Answers

What social aspect was determined by dress during the Edwardian Era 'Belle Epoque'?

What fashion items characterized women's fashion from 1900-1910?

The S-bend corset was worn until 1908.

What was a major change in women's fashion from 1907 onwards?

What did the first half of the 1910s signify for women's fashion?

What changes were seen in women's clothing post-1914?

What is Gabrielle Chanel known for introducing in 1916?

What characterized the fashion in the roaring 20s?

Flapper girls embraced traditional feminine roles.

What was a defining feature of the Garçon look?

What significant trend was seen in sportswear during the 1920s?

What was the impact of the Great Depression on fashion during the 1930s?

What did mass production in the 1930s allow for?

World War II led to the democratization of fashion.