Patterns for separate waists and skirts as advertised in Needlecraft magazine, September 1914. The pattern on the right has an interesting cut, close to the body and then a slight flare around the ankles, and the one on the left is evidently made to look like but not quite fit like a hobble skirt, allowing the wearer to appear stylish but still walk.
If you compare the skirts to what became fashionable less than a year later, you can see why the fashion moralists were so shocked. These costumes may be a bit closely-fitted but at least they covered the (gasp!) ankle. They were also freakishly impractical for French and British ladies who would soon be trading silks and muslins for khaki, puttees and Red Cross aprons.
Thanks for sharing this--I love the look!
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting how moralists only focused on exposed skin and not on the subtle sculpting of the fabric that revealed the female form. The 1916 designs are so frumpy (she says from her 21st-century lofty perch...).
ReplyDeleteYou're right, they were probably very impractical, but I really love the look of 1912-14 fashions. I think the shape of the outfit is gorgeous!
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