Tag Archives: 1915

Fashion in World War I: December 1915

The ‘Fete Parisienne’ of couture fashion in New York generated welcome publicity for Paris couturiers – and funds for French orphanages. But it also highlighted some of the tensions between French couture houses which originated designs and American wholesalers and … Continue reading

Posted in Fashion, Fashion in World War I, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Fashion in World War I: November 1915

The big fashion story of November 1915 was the ‘Fete Parisienne’ organised in New York by the ‘Syndicat de Defense de la Couture Parisienne’. Its centrepiece was a short play by Roger Boutet de Monvel with a scenario that explicitly … Continue reading

Posted in Fashion, Fashion in World War I | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Fashion in World War I: October 1915

In the October issue of ‘Le Style Parisien’, a columnist philosophized on the political resonances of the new season’s fashions. She made a contrast with the styles of 1815, which drew freely from the uniforms of opposing armies – Hussars, … Continue reading

Posted in Fashion, Fashion in World War I | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Fashion in World War I: September 1915

In September 2015, Le Style Parisien showcased styles for the coming winter season by leading Paris couturiers, with detailed description of gowns and accessories. More interesting than these were the accompanying meditations  on the current state of the French fashion … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Fashion in World War I: August 1915

In August 1915, war had been raging for a year, and had created deep-seated economic and social changes even for non-combatants. In both Britain and France, the social season which had provided a rationale for fashion consumption by the elite … Continue reading

Posted in Fashion, Fashion in World War I | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Fashion in World War I: July 1915

In July 1915, notwithstanding the fine weather, the mood of Paris society was dark – both figuratively and literally. At the theatre, and at benefits for wounded troops, humorous sketches fell flat with audiences ‘saddened because of the great disasters’(100,000 … Continue reading

Posted in Fashion, Fashion in World War I | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Fashion in World War I: June 1915

The gains made by the Allies in April 1915 were short lived, and May brought a series of reverses included the sinking of several warships by German submarines, and the first use of poison gas at Ypres, to devastating effect. … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Fashion in World War I: May 1915

In May 1915 there was an apparent improvement in the French position. The Gazette du Bon Ton published its first issue since the outbreak of war in Spring 1915 – and a belated revision of the issue that should have … Continue reading

Posted in Fashion, Fashion in World War I | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Fashion in World War I: March 1915

March 1915 saw the start of a darker phase of the War, with a loss of almost 13,000 Allied troops in two days at the battle of Neuve Chapelle. For Parisians, the war was brought to their doorsteps by large … Continue reading

Posted in Fashion, Fashion in World War I | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Fashion in World War I: February 1915

In February 1915, the fashion press was starting to feel the longterm effects of the war in Europe. With French magazines such as Les Modes ceasing publication, and travel to Paris both difficult and dangerous, information on the new season’s … Continue reading

Posted in Fashion, Fashion in World War I | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment