Tag Archives: couture

Fashion in World War I: November 1918

In early November 1918, French couture was in a state of limbo – looking forward to the imminent end of the war, but not sure when it would arrive, and still facing shortages and disruptions. New York Vogue reflected this … Continue reading

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

Fashion in World War I: April 1918

During 1918 Les Modes appeared sporadically rather than at monthly intervals: issue 176 has no date on the front cover but its discussions of events in February date it to March. This issue offers slender pickings for readers seeking news … Continue reading

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

Fashion in World War I: March 1918

IN March 1918 Les Modes was not publicshed, so we have to turn to New York Vogue for news of Paris couture. Their reports can be summed up in the title of one of their articels: ‘The world and Paris … Continue reading

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

Fashion in World War I: December 1917

The December 1917 issue of Les Élégances Parisiennes devoted several pages to a detailed discussion of the latest trends in lingerie, and linked this to the large number of society weddings for which trousseaux were being ordered.  Apparently the shortage of … Continue reading

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

Fashion in World War I: October 1917

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

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

Fashion in World War I: December 1916

The December 1916 issue of Les Élégances Parisiennes, in the section on the fashion industry, gave some figures which revealed the scale of the problem facing French fashion. In 1913, German textile and clothing manufacturers had exported goods worth £60,142,000 … Continue reading

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

Fashion in World War I: November 1916

The November 1916 issue of Les Élégances Parisiennes gives some interesting insights into the ways that fashion uses and reworks the past. As  Ulrich Lehmann’s Tigersprung: Fashion in Modernity pointed out, uses of the past in fashion are not neutral … Continue reading

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

Fashion in World War I: October 1916

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

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

Fashion in World War I: September 1916

The September 1916 issue of Les Élégances Parisiennes contained some articles that laid bare the very real economic and political rivalry between the French and German fashion industries. It reported with approval on an initiative to mark all goods produced … Continue reading

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

Fashion in World War I: August 1916

The August edition of Les Elégances Parisiennes was deeply concerned with the shifting relationship between Paris couturiers and American fashion houses and retailers. There was a lengthy report on a new initiative to control and monetise the reproduction of French … Continue reading

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