The new woman
It is always a time of controversy when the new gradually replaces the old. The aristocracy and the wealthy middle class enjoyed prosperity and luxury until 1914, till the First World war.
Luxury dresses of the 1920's by UnknownFashion Museum
The Belle Époque continued when women mainly played the role of a decorative figure.
Luxury ball dresses by UnknownFashion Museum
Etiquette requires changing clothes six times a day. Couturier of the luxury class of that time did not limited themselves: expensive fabrics, the finest embroidery, complicated cut...
Silk dress by UnknownFashion Museum
An ideal woman is perfect - always beautifully dressed, quiet, friendly, tender. She does not express her feelings, she is always in the shadow of her husband, she cares about home, children, servants, and dresses.
The woman of the Belle Époque is assigned the role of a precious jewelry, which is stored in a cozy, decorated silk box.
Crepe-georgette dress by UnknownFashion Museum
Pastel tones predominate in pre-war dresses: gently pink, blue, light green, beige, yellowish and shades of powder and cream.
Luxury ball dresses by UnknownFashion Museum
A very gentle, airy image is created by colors, laces and embroidery.
Accessories and photo of the Tsar family by UnknownFashion Museum
The beautiful epoch or Belle Époque is slowly plunging into the past, like Titanic, which went under water in 1912.
Empires are falling apart. The Russian Imperial Romanov family are the victims of this catastrophe. They were shot, bayoneted and clubbed to death in Yekaterinburg in July 1918 by the Bolsheviks.
What the war brought...
The World War I changed the way of living; this included the fight for women’s rights, the right of countries to self-determination and the fight of the poor for the right to a better life.
Wartime dress by UnknownFashion Museum
Men went to war and this changed the role of women in society completely. Former frail and tight-corseted women became nurses, drivers, factory workers, civil servants.
Mourning accessories by UnknownFashion Museum
During the war, almost all families lost their beloved ones. Black became predominant in clothing. In France, every six of ten men between the ages of 18 and 28 either died or were seriously injured.
Europe was mourning.
Boots and hat by UnknownFashion Museum
Shorter skirts have prompted women to choose comfortable and warm lace boots instead of shoes. Women who moved actively and worked hard, borrowed elements of a man's wardrobe.
American dresses during WWI by UnknownFashion Museum
While the war continued in Europe, Fashion houses, looked closely at the rich American market. But in 1917 America entered the WWI, and the replenishment of a personal wardrobe when men were at the front was frivolous and non-patriotic.
Women power
After the war, women did not give up their positions. They continued to fight for their rights. Women were no longer beautiful toys, they felt themselves equal to men.
Silk hat and picture of émancipé by UnknownFashion Museum
Country after country gave women the right to vote, opportunities to obtain higher education and chances to travel and work.
Commercials of the beginning of 20th c. by UnknownFashion Museum
Women also obtained the right to inherit property, apply for divorce and have a passport. They became increasingly engaged in social activities. New era started.
Fashion Museum, Riga, Latvia
Rīga, 24–1 Grēcinieku Street, LV-1050
www.fashionmuseumriga.lv
