… the objective of the Victorian “Dress Reform Movement” which was also called the “Rational Dress Movement”. Reformists were mostly middle class women involved in the first wave of feminism in the United States and Britain from the 1850’s through the 1890’s, but it persisted into the next century. The …
.. but in the latter part, so is typically associated with the next, Edwardian Era. It actually began in the 1850’s, but was not notable until many years later. “Reform” clothing was directed by medical professionals and health care providers. It included items such as bloomers, loose fitting corsets, natural …
The Aesthetes were dedicated to comfortable and sensuous clothing for women, but it was based on artistic principles, symbolic themes, and art forms of previous eras. This second type of “counter fashion movement” to the highly structured and dictated costume of Queen Victoria, the 2nd type of reform in dress …
.. this is the last).
…from the turn of the 19th into the 20th century. Note the common use of frocking, silk, and the cinched waist. High fashion of the day had a tightly corseted waist. This apparent attempt at give the illusion of a small waist does indicate the Aesthetics were not immune to …
… gowns from the Victorian into the Edwardian eras. The Aesthetics blended into Reform and Art Nouveau movements, and the French Belle Epoque designers of the Edwardian era also worked for Aesthetic customers.
.. Aesthetic gowns. They were so well made, and of the highest quality fabrics, that they have lasted through time (and washings). Featured and below are Aesthetic Tea Gowns from the early 1900’s made from Liberty of London fabrics. (orange and maroon again???)
… so excited to have graceful and hardworking Tiss join us. She will be wearing Doty’s 1905 High Fashion ensemble in the upcoming June 9th show in Cody. We are going to miss Doty and Fiona a great deal as they hit the trail south in search of fame and …
… models: featured 1895 Catherine Hueffer, and below, 1890 Louise Jopling
The Aesthetes had lovely portraits made by other Aesthetes, and made self portraits like this 1890’s wool dress which have become famous today as it is presently displayed in a London museum.
