Early 20th century trends

Belle Époque (1890–1914)

A period of peace in Europe when culture, art, fashion, and music flourished, centered in Paris

Paris Fashion Leadership (1900s)

Paris designers led global fashion, including Paul Poiret, Jeanne Paquin, Callot Soeurs, and Maison Worth/Lacroix

Edwardian Era

Early 20th-century period following the death of Queen Victoria

Technological Advancements (Early 1900s)

Introduction of telephones, cable cars, and trolleys increased communication and travel

Economic Shift (Early 1900s)

Transition from agrarian society to manufacturing, retailing, and commerce-based economy

American Consumerism

Rise of a consumer-driven economy in the United States

Changing Roles of Women (Early 1900s)

Increased workforce participation and access to higher education

Ready-to-Wear (RTW) Industry

Mass production of clothing, making fashion more accessible

Department Stores

Influential retail spaces that transformed shopping experiences

Shirtwaist

A popular women’s blouse style symbolizing working women and early fashion reform

Triangle Shirtwaist Fire (1911)

A factory fire that led to major labor and safety reforms

Titanic Era (1910–1912)

Fashion characterized by soft, feminine styles with ruffles and beads, maintaining an S-shaped silhouette

Paul Poiret (1879–1944)

Influential Parisian designer known for revolutionizing women’s fashion

Paul Poiret Early Career

Worked for Jacques Doucet and gained recognition after selling 400 copies of a red cap design

Poiret Fashion House (1903)

Opened his own house after being considered too modern

Poiret’s Key Innovation

Eliminated the corset from women’s fashion

Dropped Waistline

Poiret lowered the waist to the hips

Natural Bustline

Restored the bust to its natural position

Tunic Popularization

Introduced tunic styles into mainstream fashion

Turbans Trend

Popularized headwraps as a defining accessory of the era

Harem Pants

Created by modifying skirts, narrowing at the ankle

Poiret Fabrics & Colors

Used chiffon, velvet, gauze, crepe, and heavier textiles in bold colors like red, orange, and yellow

Kimono-Inspired Coats

Designs influenced by Asian garments

“1002 Arabian Nights” Party

Lavish themed event that influenced social and fashion culture

Les Parfums de Rosine

First perfume line by a French couturier, named after his daughter

École Martine

Poiret’s interior design school named after his daughter

1920s Post-WWI Era

Period of prosperity and major social and cultural change

Fashion Trends (1920s)

Rapid changes in women’s fashion, while men’s styles remained stable

Technology (1920s)

Rise of automobiles and motion pictures

Textile Production Evolution

Shift from industrial production to ready-to-wear and mail-order systems

Cross-Cultural Influences

Increased global inspiration in fashion and lifestyle

Freud’s Influence

New openness around sexuality and psychology

Women’s Social Changes (1920s)

Women smoked, drank, and socialized without chaperones

F. Scott Fitzgerald Era

Reflected both romanticism and cynicism of the 1920s

Hemline Changes (1920s)

Post-WWI near ankle; 1925 ~8 inches from floor; 1926–27 14–18 inches; 1928–29 stabilized

Flappers

Young women in the 1920s known for rebellious behavior and modern fashion

Flapper Style

Short skirts (knee-length), bobbed hair, heavy makeup

Flapper Behavior

Drinking, smoking publicly, driving, and embracing casual attitudes toward sex

Flappers’ Cultural Role

Icons of 1920s social change and modern femininity

Men’s Fashion (1900–1919)

Transition to more practical and simplified styles

Ditto Suit

Three-piece suit (jacket, vest, trousers) replacing frock coats

Business Suit Symbolism

Represented professionalism and modern business culture

Detachable Collars

Starched, white collars worn separately from shirts

Simplified Men’s Style

Single-breasted jackets, narrow lapels, straight trousers

Men’s Shirts

Pastel or striped with club collars and ties