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The Art Nouveau movement, which began in the late 1800s, had a major influence on fashion from 1900-1910. This blog post will explore how this movement influenced fashion during this time period.
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Art Nouveau
The Art Nouveau movement began in the late 1800s and reached its peak in popularity between 1900 and 1910. This artistic style was characterized by its use of curvaceous lines, nature-inspired motifs, and light colors. While Art Nouveau was short-lived as an art movement, its influence can still be seen in fashion today.
The Aesthetic Movement
During the Aesthetic Movement of the late 1800s, designers sought to combine an appreciation for fine art with the functionality of everyday objects. This fusion led to a trend in fashion that was heavily influenced by art movements of the time, including Romanticism, Impressionism, and Japanese woodblock prints.
Designers like Paul Poiret and Liberty London contributed to this trend by creating clothing that featured intricate details and bold colors. While it was short-lived, the Aesthetic Movement left a lasting impression on fashion design, particularly in the way that it elevated both the form and function of clothing.
The Pre-Raphaelites
The Pre- Raphaelites were a group of English artists who were influenced by the art of the Italian Renaissance. They believed that art should be about feeling and emotion, not just about pretty pictures. This philosophy influenced fashion in the early 1900s because designers wanted to create clothes that evoked emotion and had a sense of drama.
One of the most famous Pre-Raphaelite painters was John William Waterhouse, who was known for his romantic paintings of women. His paintings often featured women with long, flowing hair, wearing billowing dresses. These images inspired the “ Gibson Girl” look, which was popular in the early 1900s. The Gibson Girl was a fashionable young woman who was independent, athletic, and stylish. She wore her hair in a “Gibson Roll” (a kind of updo), and her clothing was often decorated with lace or ruffles.
The Gilded Age
The Gilded Age was an era of great excess, and that included the fashions of the time. This was a period when people were trying to outdo each other with their clothing, and the result was some very over-the-top ensembles. The look was heavy and dramatic, with lots of frills and lace. You can see the influence of this style in fashion today, although it has been toned down somewhat.
The Edwardians
Those who study fashion history often lump the years 1900-1910 together as “The Edwardian Era,” named for Britain’s King Edward VII, who ruled from 1901 until his death in 1910. From a sartorial standpoint, this was a relatively calm period between the excesses of the Victorian Era and the radical changes that would come with World War I. But even during these years of relative peace, there were still plenty of fashion trends influenced by the world of art.
World War I
WWI impacted fashion in a big way. For the first time in centuries,Europeans were not the only ones setting trends. While Europe was embroiled in WWI, America became the fashion epicenter of the world.
Fashion during this time was heavily inspired by art movements of the early 1900s such as Cubism, Futurism, and Art Nouveau. These movements rejected traditional ideas of what art should look like and instead embraced abstraction and experimentation. This sense of freedom and experimentation was also seen in fashion during this time.
Designers began to experiment with new silhouettes, fabrics, and colors. This resulted in a more casual and relaxed style of dress that was influenced by menswear. This “unisex” style of fashion would become increasingly popular in the years to come.
The Jazz Age
From 1900-1910, fashion was greatly influenced by the rise of the Jazz Age. This was a time when people were becoming more expressive and innovative in their sense of style. Designers began to experiment with new silhouettes, fabrics, and colors. The result was a more lighthearted and playful aesthetic that reflected the energy and optimism of the times.
The Art Deco Period
Art Deco was a popular art movement from 1900-1910 that had a huge influence on fashion. This period was characterized by geometric shapes, bold colors, and sleek lines. Clothing during this time was often flashy and designed to make a statement. Some of the most iconic fashion designers of this era were Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli.
The Depression
The 1930s was a decade marked by the Great Depression. In the United States, this decade is often referred to as the “Depression Era.” This economic downturn had a profound impact on fashion, as many people could no longer afford to buy new clothes. Instead, they resorted to buying second-hand clothes or making their own clothes. This led to a decline in the popularity of high-end designers and an increase in the popularity of more affordable brands.
World War II
The years 1914 through 1918 were dominated by World War II, a brutal conflict that took the lives of millions of people around the globe. The war also had a profound impact on the arts, with many artists using their work as a way to express their anti-war sentiments. In the fashion world, designers were influenced by the art movements of the time, including Cubism, Futurism, and Constructivism. These styles can be seen in the bold geometric shapes and clean lines of early 20th century fashion.
