Fashion in the 1900’s - 1910

The Edwardian Era

Introduction

Edwardian Era – King Edward VII 1901 - 1910

Leader of the fashionable elite “Beautiful Age” Luxury Living for the rich

Silhouette

S-Shape – Mature woman silhouette- full low bust, curvy hips – skirts train – brushed the floor

1908 – Fashion houses changed the silhouettes – thicker waist, flatter bust and narrower hips

Narrowed and straightened Skirts cleared the floor – approached ankle

Influences

Paris – Mecca of fashion World Fashion Models – Mannequins dressed in

latest styles sent by designers to social events

Picasso – blue & pink period Wright Brothers – aviation history San Francisco – Earthquake

Influences

Gibson Girl Sketch by Charles Dana Gibson National Standard for feminine beauty

Role of Women

Very few rights Small percent of women attended college Very few had careers outside of home Married young – many children – stayed

home Second class citizens

Textiles Used

Linen Cotton Silk – dresses & gowns Velvet Lace

Popular Colors

Purples/Pinks Brown Sage Green Rose Red Peach Dark and light blue for Black suits – Men

Women’s Fashions

Early 1900’s

- S-Curve Silhouette – use of corsets

- High boned collars

- Skirts brushed the floor

- Lingerie Dresses – washable day dresses in linen & cotton – lavish pintucks, lace insertions, embroidery

Shirtwaist – bodice or waist tailored like a man’s shirt – working woman uniform

Traveling suits popular –automobiles- top coats in leather - Burberry

Late 1900’s - 1908 – Empire waist – narrow – ankle length Rise of Haute Couture – Paul Poiret –

designer of new style

Hats/Hairstyles

Huge, broad brimmed hats were worn in mid-decade, trimmed with feathers & stuffed birds

Decorated with ribbons & artificial flowers Wavy hair swept up on top of head Large hats worn with evening wear End of decade – hats had smaller drooping

brims that shaded the face & deep crowns

Accessories

Lace was used in abundance Hats Gloves Umbrellas/Parasols Handbags Lace Scarf Silver chain purse

Men’s Fashions

Coats, waistcoats, and trousers Sack coat with matching waistcoat & trousers were

worn Trousers were shorter with cuffs – creased front and

back Waistcoats fastened high on the chest. The usual

style was single-breasted. The blazer was worn for sports/casual activities Formal dress – dark tail coat & trousers – tuxedo –

less formal

Shirts and neckties Tall collars Necktie was four-in-hand & Ascot Ties were

worn with formal day dress – white bow ties common with evening

Accessories Top Hats formal wear Bowler Hats worn with lounge or sack suits

Children

Girls imitated older women

Dresses – Knee length with lace & embroider at hem – short sleeve

Black shoes with woolen stockings

Hair – long & curly with ribbon

Boys – sailor suits , dusters

Technology Advances

Industrial Revolution Factories Producing Goods – Mass

Production Home Sewing Machine – middle class could

recreate fashion items at home