Fashion is often considered a form of conceptual art, blending different elements like clothing, accessories, and color to create a unique image. The Modern style, which emerged in the early 20th century, influenced famous couturiers to embody its principles in their clothing collections. The legacy of Modernism in fashion is multifaceted, containing both artistic value and unresolved aesthetic conflicts.
Modernism is a style of art that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with artists seeking to break away from historicism and eclecticism. They rejected straight lines and angles in favor of more natural shapes, and embraced new technologies and applied arts.
Desire for practical modern clothing.
Modernism in fashion evolved through three stages. The first stage (1898-1900) featured figures with expanded sleeves and bell-shaped skirts.
During the third stage of fashion from 1905-1907, skirts were shorter and shoes had slightly opened toes with less decoration. The silhouette returned to a more vertical position with freer dresses and the gradual disappearance of corsets. Outfits were accessorized with hats, laced heels, umbrellas with frills, walking sticks, and gloves.
Crispy fabric underwear with a rustling sound and strong perfume was fashionable, creating an airy impression. Kimono coats were worn over evening dresses with deep necklines. Jewelry played a significant role in modernism fashion, becoming not only a complement to the outfit but also a symbol of a certain female type.
Influential modernist fashion icons presented.
French couturier Paul Poiret revolutionized the fashion industry by liberating women from restrictive corsets and introducing softer, flowing fabrics with free lines. He incorporated elements of the Japanese national costume into European fashion, such as the kimono, which became popular in both casual and formal wear. Poiret’s creation of the “hobble skirt” further showcased his innovative approach, as this fitted garment restricted women’s movement, leading to a smaller, more delicate gait.
