Look J

Description:

During the period between the turn of the century and the beginning of World War I, Americans and Europeans were spending increasingly amounts of money on clothing and accessories. The ideal female figure at this time featured a small waist, modest skirt, and larger chest that was sometimes called a “pigeon breast.” This dress is another of Mrs. Romyn Hitchcock’s, worn when she and her husband were presented in the Court of St. James, London. Corsets of the time pushed the bosom up and forward, while shifting the hips back in an attempt to prevent downward pressure on the abdomen. This corsetry gave the body a dramatic and voluptuous ‘S’ curve. The “Gibson Girl” look was the ideal of the day in the early 1900s, and often included a shirtwaist blouse that elongated the neck with high-boned collars and lightweight fabrics that puffed out from the small waist of a tailored skirt.

Attribution:

Unknown

Date:

1903

Collection ID:

CCTC #815

Notes:

Gift of Mrs. Bert Sellen

Exhibit tags:

Garments