Fashion History: Victorian Era - 1920
The Ask
Create a presentation that explored the evolution of fashion during three distinct eras: the Victorian, Edwardian, and 1920s periods.
Skills
Research
Visual Design
Organization
Communication
The Process
I created a presentation to showcase my research, incorporating images, historical context, and analysis of fabrics, silhouettes, and accessories. The project not only illustrated the aesthetic shifts over time but also examined how societal changes influenced fashion choices, reflecting the values and innovations of each period.
Victorian Era
The Victorian era (1837-1901), under Queen Victoria’s reign, had a significant influence on society and fashion. Queen Victoria set social standards, and the period saw rapid industrialization, which increased access to goods from Asian countries, especially after Japan opened its borders in 1853. Innovations like the home sewing machine, introduced in 1858, made fashion more accessible. Department stores and mail-order catalogs also allowed people to buy ready-made clothing.
Fashion during this time featured a fitted bodice and bell-shaped skirt. The caged crinoline, introduced in 1855, helped maintain this silhouette, while the bustle, added in the 1870s, enhanced fullness in the back of the dress. By the end of the century, dresses became more fitted, but retained some fullness with the bustle.
Edwardian Era
Fashion in the Edwardian era was marked by the S-shaped corset, creating a rounded, elongated figure with a small waist and full hips. Dresses were long and voluminous, supported by crinolines or petticoats, with high waistlines and elaborate details. Early in the era, women's fashion featured high-necked dresses and puffed sleeves, but by the 1910s, styles softened with lower waistlines and more fluid designs.
The outbreak of World War I in 1914 marked a significant turning point, effectively bringing an end to the Edwardian era. As men went off to fight, women took on new roles, and society’s focus shifted away from the luxury and extravagance of the previous decade. The war ushered in a more utilitarian and less ornate approach to fashion, signaling the close of the Edwardian period.
1920’s
The 1920s, following World War I, was a time of social change and excitement. The Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations reshaped Europe, while the economy fluctuated, creating both uncertainty and cultural freedom. The automobile became a symbol of progress, and women gained the right to vote in many countries. Despite Prohibition, speakeasies and nightclubs flourished.
Fashion in the 1920s embraced a boyish, androgynous silhouette with loose dresses and dropped waistlines, popularized by flappers. Hemlines rose, and tailored suits for women became an everyday staple. Women also began smoking more openly, with cigarette boxes becoming a fashionable accessory. This era was defined by greater freedom and self-expression for women.
The Outcome
The project illustrates the evolution of styles in women's and men's wear, revealing how shifts in cultural norms, social status, and economic conditions influenced fashion. By examining the intricate details of accessories and garments, we appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of each period, as well as the ways in which fashion continues to shape and express our identities today. This project shows the importance of historical context in understanding fashion as a dynamic and evolving form of expression.