 1900
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In the late 19th century, only the wealthy people purchased nice
clothes. Wealthy women were the only ones who had the time and money to
devote to the most stylish hat or petticoat. Middle class women copied
the latest fashions from women's magazines and newspaper advertisements,
or rented dresses to copy. Some women sewed their own clothes.  Women
may have incorporated fashionable elements into their handmade dresses,
even if they had to use cheaper materials. People started liking
the look called "The Edwardian Look."  Most
women wore large, yard wide hats, with feathers or artificial flowers on
them. Women also wore bell-shaped skirts that swept the ground.
Their clothes consisted of bulks of ribbon, lace, embroidery, jewels and
beads. It was just a matter of time before certain women rejected
the Edwardian ensemble. The New Woman were more concerned about their rights,
education, physical activities and social freedom. than about fashionable
trends. Therefore,
a new look came into fashion. It was unfussy, tailored ensembles
ideal for walking, bicycling, traveling and for the career minded working
female. Another fashion was "The Straight Line," launched by Paul
Poiret in 1908. Poiret was the first designer to build clothes that did
not show off the waist and hips. He designed a straighter, more natural
silhouette, which allowed women to actually stand upright. Still, Poiret's
vision was far from perfect. His long, narrow-hipped look required a new,
knee-length corset, which made sitting down an adventure. He also developed
the "hobble skirt," an incredibly narrow, long skirt.
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