Category Archives: Fashion in World War I

Fashion in World War I: May 1915

Posted on May 1, 2015 by Clare

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 →

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Fashion in World War I: March 1915

Posted on March 13, 2015 by Clare

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 →

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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: January 1915

Posted on January 7, 2015 by Clare

High fashion and modern warfare make uneasy bedfellows, and the fashion journals in January 1915 contain some strange juxtapositions. Les Modes for January 1915, though published in Paris, resolutely ignored the war, describing the garments seen in theatres and at … Continue reading →

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Fashion in World War I: December 1914

Posted on December 3, 2014 by Clare

By December 1914, the first signs of new wartime fashions were appearing; the long, narrow ‘hobble’ skirts which had been in fashion since 1910 were worn underneath flared tunics or skirts reaching to mid-calf. In spite of the New York … 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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Fashion in World War I: September 1914

Posted on August 31, 2014 by Clare

September 1914 was a turning point for the French fashion industry. The fashion press was publishing predictions for the new season, such as – ‘Cloth of silver, cloth of bronze, cloth of gold and other iridescent, tinselled materials are going … Continue reading →

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Fashion in World War I: August 1914

Posted on July 31, 2014 by Clare

I intend to run a series of posts showing the way that fashion changed between 1914 and 1919, both in the couture system and for women working in factories or military support. I will be uploading original texts and images … Continue reading →

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