
100 Years of Fashion


Shape and silhouette constantly evolved. More radical styles like the hobble skirt and the lampshade skirt each enjoyed their moment in the sun. The Edwardians became more playful and innovative, taking an interest in asymmetrical draping techniques. Considerably less boning was used in bodices and boning was now solely for supporting the shape as opposed to changing it. Suits were fashionable for daywear and walking was eased due to a really big fashion happening – the skirt hem rose to the ankle!
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The First World War provoked yet another fashion – skirts that rose to well above the ankle. Bodices tended to lean towards the higher waist and skirts were full and tiered. Other popular fancies were bat-wing sleeves, over-drapes and flying panel skirts.
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Wool and linen walking suits were appreciated for their practicality. Asymmetrical designs were featured in bodices and skirts and preferred fabrics were satin, taffeta, chiffon and lightweight silks, with washable cottons to ease hot summers. Early Art Deco inspired prints were seen in the post war years. The automobile achieved status, so driving clothes were developed to protect against dust, including the aptly named duster, a long, lightweight coat. Hats were veiled to keep the complexion smudge free.
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Written by The Vintage Fashion Guild
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Some of the most popular designers of the day were Paul Poiret, Jacques Doucet, Lucille, Ltd by Lady Duff Gordon, Collet Souers and Paquin. House of Worth is seeing a decline and begins to change to more popular styles.
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Click on the images below to see in larger detail.
![]() 1910 House of Worth | ![]() 1910 House of Worth back | ![]() 1910 Callot Souers |
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![]() 1910 House of Worth back | ![]() 1910 House of Worth | ![]() 1910 Callot Souers back |
![]() 1910 Callot souers label | ![]() 1910 House of Worth | ![]() 1910 House of Worth |
![]() 1910 House of Worth back | ![]() 1910 | ![]() 1910 tea gown |
![]() 1910 Princess Lace | ![]() 1910 | ![]() 1910 |
![]() 1910 Liberty & Co | ![]() 1910 A G & E Spitzer of Vienna embroidery | ![]() 1910 Liberty |
![]() 1911 Weeks | ![]() 1911 Paul Poiret | ![]() 1911 from the Whitaker Auction |
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![]() 1911 PAQUIN, BELLE EPOQUE EVENING GOWN | ![]() 1911 red and blue dress Queen Maud of Norway | ![]() 1911robe de diner |

This is a portrait of Genevieve Latelme who was a favorite model of Jeanne Paquin, designer in the early 1900s. Genevieve was also a comedienne and actress. Title of the painting is Out on the Town, painted by Wanda Pepin and is an 8x10. Price is $75. Prints available at: https://www.wandawonder.com/art-prints-and-products
![]() 1912 Titanic Era Coral Textured and Embroidery | ![]() 1912 from the museum at Kent University |
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![]() 1912 Jacques Doucet | ![]() 1912 Herbert Luey |
![]() 1912 Coats for trips in the car_ Paul Poiret | ![]() 1912 House of Drecoll |
![]() 1912 Paul Poiret | ![]() 1912 Les Modes (Paris) 1912 Robe du Soir |
![]() 1913 Jeanne Halle | ![]() 1913 | ![]() 1913 Callot Soeurs Party Dress |
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![]() 1913 evening dress | ![]() 1913 Edwardian Era Evening Gown Moscow, Russia | ![]() 1913 Paul Poiret, evening gown, |
![]() 1913 Jeanne Hallee | ![]() 1913 PAUL POIRET Uncorseted gown |
![]() 1914 Paul Poiret spring fashion | ![]() 1914 Callot Soeurs from the Met Museum Collection | ![]() 1914 |
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![]() 1914 by Alix of Hesse on Devian | ![]() 1914 Paul Poiret Evening Dress Salome | ![]() 1914 dress by Lucile Ltd—Lady Duff Gordon |
![]() House of Worth 1914 evening gown |
![]() 1915 Lucile | ![]() 1915 Lucile back |
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![]() 1915 Lucile train | ![]() 1915 Madame de Pompadour — Doucet evening dress |
![]() 1915 |
![]() Dress 1916 The-Goldstein Museum | ![]() 1916 LUCILE (LADY DUFF GORDON) |
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![]() 1916 CALLOT SOEURS BEADED NET DRESS | ![]() 1916 by Lucile |

![]() 1917 Delineator |
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![]() 1917 Lucile afternoon dress |
This portrait is of Lily Elsie and she was the most photographed woman in the early 1900s. The original is 11x14 acrylic on canvas and is priced at $150. If you are interested in a print or a product, click on https://fineartamerica.com/featured/lily-elsie-early-1900s-wanda-pepin.html
![]() 1918 Paul Poiret | ![]() 1918 Paul Poiret label |
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![]() 1918 Boue Souers | ![]() 1918 Lucille |
![]() 1919 | ![]() 1919 | ![]() 1919 |
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![]() 1919 Paul Poiret dinner gown, | ![]() 919 robe du soir | ![]() 1919 Robe du Soir |
![]() 1919Callot Soeurs back |