History of Fashion (1900-1910)

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.