Belle Époque Fashion: Unveiling Women's Style Evolution (1898-1914)

This exhibit explores the evolution of women's fashion from 1898 to 1914, a period of significant social and stylistic change leading up to World War I. It details the shift from sinuous silhouettes to more natural forms, influenced by sports, hygiene, and travel.

The Belle Époque (1898-1914) marked a period where fashion customs saw gradual transformation, culminating in the years preceding the First World War. The female silhouette evolved from a sinuous, Modernist-influenced form achieved through corsetry and petticoats to a more linear profile that embraced the natural body shape. This era saw the rise of numerous haute couture houses, with fashion trends disseminating to the middle classes through ready-made clothing stores that imitated the creations of leading designers, further amplified by fashion magazines providing immediate information on rapidly changing styles. The growing popularity of sports, new hygiene practices, and a penchant for travel significantly influenced the diversity of attire, leading to the incorporation of more comfortable garments. Despite these shifts, a substantial portion of society continued to adhere to the traditional habits of the preceding century. The exhibit highlights these changes, showcasing various display cases dedicated to 'Accessories,' 'The Park,' 'Visiting,' and 'The Modern Silhouette,' each offering a glimpse into the material culture and sartorial choices of the time.