20 - DRESSMAKER

At the beginning of the 20th century men's clothes did not change very much.

Women wore tight corsets, large hats, boleros, cascades of lace, swirling skirts, blouses decorated with pearls or fringes. Later on corsets were abandoned.

Thanks to Chanel, women’s suits became very fashionable; the skirts were short enough to reveal the ankles.

After the First World War there was a major upheaval and women took over jobs which had been reserved for men.

Many women wanted to work, and this new way of life naturally required more comfort and simplicity in clothes.

That is when we start to see short skirts, lower necklines and comfortable sleeves, and a general simplification in shoes, hairstyles and hats. Both the cinema and fashion magazines contributed to the popularity of more practical fashions and simpler ways of living.

 

 

<< 19 -  STOVE MERCHANT  | 21 - HATTER >>