It will not be a secret to anyone that clothes are the so-called mirror of time. For example, old dresses can reflect both fashionable and philosophical, political, cultural and other trends of a certain era. Each of them stands out with its own ideals of female beauty , expressed in all kinds of outfits and a variety of accessories. From the moment of its appearance in the world of old dresses, they underwent cardinal numerous changes. So, more details.
Dresses are old. Different eras - different options
Vintage dresses appeared in Europe in the early Middle Ages (6-10th century). Masculine power began to contrast with feminine beauty. Accordingly, the uniform of the opposite sexes was divided.
In the 11-12th centuries (during the Romanesque period), old dresses began to be cut using three seams (two side and middle on the back). This made it possible to fit the bodice according to the figure. The lower part expanded due to wedges.
In the era of the late Middle Ages (in the 13-15th centuries), modeling and designing of clothes began to develop very intensively. Tucks and removable sleeves are connected to the fashion, connecting to the armhole with tape or lacing.
15-16th century (Renaissance) - the period of the triumph of Italy. Legislators of fashion have taken as their basis the new canons of beauty that have retained their relevance to this day. That is, a stately figure, a thin waist, high growth. Women's dresses began to represent a long skirt and bodice with lacing, tight-fitting body. The neckline, as a rule, differed in a rectangular or oval shape.
Baroque and Rococo
In the 17th century, the Baroque style was born in Italy . Its main features were pretentiousness, splendor and decorativeness. Women emphasized with their clothes high stature, magnificent breasts and hips, a thin waist.
Dresses of the 18th century are models in the rococo style. This time, splendor gave way to fragility. Women created “puppet” images. The presence of a corset was mandatory. Dresses of the 18th century were made from the most fashionable materials at that time: velvet, brocade, satin, moire, ratin and cloth. The color scheme was chosen light, clean, delicate. Outfits were decorated with the help of a large decorative ornament: flowers, curls, leaves.
Tipping point
The 19th century became the era of the formation of the principles of realism and utilitarian thinking. Each old women's dress of that period reflected in these changes. The century began with slightly theatrical costumes. Ended up comfortable and pragmatic.
In general, at the beginning of the century the grotesque and magnificent rococo style was replaced by a simple Empire. Therefore, instead of complex outfits, women put on translucent dresses made in the Greek style. The antique silhouette, similar to one of the slender columns of a beautiful Greek temple, has firmly entered into fashion. The main differences between the outfits of the beginning of the 19th century are the high waist, a ribbon under the chest, a deep neckline, sleeves-lanterns, a free hem with pleats. Most often, red, blue and white tones were found.
In the 1920s, the period of restoration began. The waist was still overpriced. However, she again began to be pulled into a corset. Bell-shaped skirts, petticoats and a metal frame came into fashion.
Particularly magnificent and rich decoration of the dress acquired with the advent of Queen Victoria. Romanticism, dreamy, spiritualized, sublime images are the hallmarks of this period. The fashionable hourglass silhouette was created using an elegant corset, a skirt on a crinoline and lush wide sleeves on the frame.
Late 19th century
In the 60s, old long dresses were decorated with a patterned border, teeth, scallops, voluminous frills. In diameter, the hem gradually reached three meters. This period was called the second Rococo. Graceful hats and caps, gloves, shawls, boas, couplings and jewelry were put on dresses.
In the 70s, tournaments came into fashion - a small frame and a pillow designed to put them in the back under the hem of the outfit. This allowed to give the figure splendor. Behind the dresses were decorated with draperies, pleats and ruffles.
Well, at the end of the 19th century, clothing production began to develop even more actively. The range of fabrics has expanded tremendously. The first Fashion Houses began to open. Gradually, fluffy skirts began to go out of fashion. They were replaced by straight, stricter silhouettes. In a word, fashion is changeable. Therefore, today we put on completely different styles, and only with admiration look at the images of luxurious old dresses.