Tag Archives: Paul Poiret

Fashion in World War I: September 1918

Posted on September 2, 2018 by Clare

The September 1918 issues of Vogue included a feature on the style icon Irene Castle, famous as a dance performer and teacher who had popularized the fox-trot, tango and many other dances. However the fashions she was modelling were for … Continue reading →

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Fashion in World War I: May 1918

Posted on May 3, 2018 by Clare

Issue 177 of Les Modes, published in May 1918, revealed both the difficulties of life in wartime Paris, and the ways that some entrepreneurs found new business opportunities. It is also remarkable frank about the social divisions between the classses, … Continue reading →

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Fashion in World War I: February 1918

Posted on February 2, 2018 by Clare

The  French fashion press was clearly facing exceptional difficulties in 1918  Les Élégances Parisiennes had ceased to publish (apart from special issues on blouses or millinery) , and even the older established Les Modes only appeared five times instead of the … Continue reading →

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Fashion in World War I: October 1917

Posted on October 12, 2017 by Clare

The fashion articles in the November 1917 issue of Les Élégances Parisiennes flagged up some radical new trends in cut – and its articles on the state of the fashion industry explained the economic rationale behind them. The new styles were … Continue reading →

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fashion in World War I: April 1917

Posted on March 31, 2017 by Clare

The April 1917 issue of  Les Élégances Parisiennes showed designs that followed the dual trends featured in March: on the one hand, simple smocks or shift dresses, and on the other garments featuring flying panels, interlaced strips, and draped effects. … Continue reading →

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Fashion in World War I: October 1916

Posted on October 10, 2016 by Clare

One new use for lace discussed in Les Élégances Parisiennes was in the shoulder and neck areas of chemises and corset-covers. Apparently both evening bodices and afternoon blouses were being made so sheer that the undergarments could be seen through … Continue reading →

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Fashion in World War I: April 1916

Posted on March 30, 2016 by Clare

In April 1916, the first issue of Les Elegances Parisiennes appeared, incorporating some of the journalists and features from Le Style Parisien, but with stronger links to French couture and luxury textile trades. The contents were an uneasy mixture of … Continue reading →

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Fashion in World War I: February 1915

Posted on February 6, 2015 by Clare

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 →

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Fashion in World War I: November 1914

Posted on November 5, 2014 by Clare

In November 1914, American designers launched an initiative to capture the US market for themselves, capitalising on the difficulties facing French fashion houses. The New York Day-Book on November 6th reviewed a glittering event held at the Ritz, but was … Continue reading →

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Fashion in World War I: October 1914

Posted on October 2, 2014 by Clare

By October 1914, Paris couture had more or less closed down as clients fled the city for country retreats or for war work. Some designers had chosen to enlist, proudly displaying the motto ‘Sous les drapeaux’ (under military orders) over … Continue reading →

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