The Fashionable Past-(Fashion history from 1900–1940)
On my learning schedule in Fashion Business Management,this term Fashion History covers,culture,political,industrial and social change and a century of revolution.To understand this is fundamental to anyone wanting to work in this contemporary Fashion industry,be it as a designer,stylist or writer….
INTRODUCTION:
The years between 1900 and 1939 represent an extremely turbulent historical moment which saw two world wars, the Great Depression, and the rise of the suffrage movement. Women’s fashion is often said to mirror closely the spirit of the times, and this was clearly seen in the rise and fall of hemlines, color palettes and general relaxing of previously constricting clothing.
Fashion Timeline-Short History of Women’s Dress and Style-
1900–1909:
Paramount Events
Technology was a huge force of change during this time period,as the Industrial Age kicked into high gear,HENRY FORD introduced the Model-T,and the first transatlantic radio broadcast was made.this was a time of transition and progress;although the world was rapidly changing,people were still conscious of long-held ideals od womanly beauty and clothing trends reflected that.
key Trends
- La Belle Époque: women were still years away from being able to comfortably wear slacks when the year 1910 hit.From the late 1800s to the year before the world war started, La Belle Époque style was favored by rich and privileged.This was defined by lavish fashion in luxurious fabrics.women who are not part of the rich society,however adjust with the less expensive clothing.
- Gibson Girl : Gibson Girl represented the visual ideal of this new phenomenon,very defined role.The look in this picture,viewed as the ideal feminine form,featured a large bosom,small waist and rounded backside,all were possible with the help of swan-bill corsets.It fit in with an almost ethereal idea of beauty.women use to wear them daily often gradually tightening the waist cords over a periods of time until she gets her desired waist.
1910–1919
Paramount Events
There was a cavernous change in clothing silhouette during 1914–1919(world war I).The impractical shifted towards practical as women started working and they took part in the suffrage movement.
Key Trends:
- Hobble skirt: As the name suggests,hobble skirts were impratical garment,in which wearer had trouble to walk and they literally had to make efforts to hobble .finally,this fashion was not for a long period,as women adopted clothing that was easier to wear.many more style came into picture -
- Harem pants,kimonos and turbans.
- mid half skirts.
- First issue of vogue.
- floor length to above the ankle straight skirts.
- gossamer silk,pastels,dyeing.
1920–1929
- Flapper style: Flappers did not appear until 1926.It was a generation of young western women in 1920s,who use to wore short skirts,bobbed their hair,listen to jazz and flaunted their scorn and it was okay to do that.
- Costume jewellery,cloche’s hat were also seen during this era.
- Borrowed styles from the boys : During this period,under the influence of Coco Chanel,inspired by sailors,simply-cut clothing.
- Nautical stripes,trousers and chunky kints sweaters became hallmarks of Chanel’s boyish style.
- Many got inspired by Chanel’s cropped hairstyle and rejecting corset.
- High heels:Heeled shoes became popular during this period,the heels use to be two or three inches in height,which was quite high at that time.
1930–1939
Paramount Events
In october 1929,The Great Depresssion begin with the stock market crash.it had serious,sensible impact on fashion of the time.fashion became less important as world crept towards Worls War II.
Key Trends:
- After economic crash in 1930s as world slowly recovered,hemlines went down and waistlines went up.changes took place such as ankle length skirt,natural waist from waistlines.fabric were used more efficiently as clothes were simply cut.
- Elsa Schiaparelli was the main hero of this trend,known for “changing the look of fashion from soft to hard,from vague to definite”.Day suits came back into fashion with off shoulders.
ENLIGHTENMENT:
The History of Fashion,has become an integral part in the complex world of fashion,it is very interesting barometer of the consideration of the time.its very appealing to see how fashion has changed over the years reflect upon the way current events influence the way the modern world dresses themselves.Fashion between 1900–1940,reveals how quickly the change happens and how world events impacted Fashion trends over this 40 years.
