It will not be a secret to anyone that clothes are the so-called mirror of time. For example, vintage dresses can reflect both fashionable and philosophical, political, cultural and other currents of a certain era. Each of them stands out with their own ideals of female beauty, expressed in all sorts of outfits and various accessories. From the moment of its appearance in the world, vintage dresses have undergone cardinal numerous changes. So, more.
Vintage dresses. Different eras - different options
Antique dresses appeared in Europe in the early Middle Ages (6-10th century). Masculine strength began to be opposed to feminine beauty. Accordingly, the uniforms of the opposite sexes were 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 allowed the bodice to fit the figure. The lower part expanded with wedges.
In the late Middle Ages (in the 13th-15th centuries), the modeling and design of clothing began to develop very intensively. Darts came into fashion anddetachable sleeves connected to the armhole with tape or lacing.
15-16th century (Renaissance) - the period of the triumph of Italy. The trendsetters adopted as a basis the new canons of beauty, which have retained their relevance to this day. That is, a stately figure, thin waist, high growth. Women's dresses began to be a long skirt and a lace-up bodice, tightly fitting the body. The neckline, as a rule, was distinguished by 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 their high growth, magnificent breasts and hips, thin waist with their clothes.
Dresses of the 18th century - models in the Rococo style. This time, the pomp was replaced by fragility. Women created "doll" 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, tender. Outfits were decorated with large decorative ornaments: flowers, curls, leaves.
Tipping point
The 19th century was the era of the formation of the principles of realism and utilitarian thinking. These changes were reflected in every old women's dress of that period. The century began with slightly theatrical outfits. Ended up comfortable and pragmatic.
In general, at the beginning of the century, the grotesque and lush rococo style was replaced by a simple empire style. Because instead ofcomplex outfits, women wore translucent dresses made in the Greek style. The antique silhouette, similar to one of the slender columns of a beautiful Greek temple, has firmly come into fashion. The main differences between the outfits of the early 19th century are a high waist, a ribbon under the bust, a deep neckline, puffed sleeves, a loose hem with pleats. The most common colors were red, blue and white.
In the 1920s, the Restoration period began. The waist was still high. However, they again began to tighten her into a corset. Bell-shaped skirts, petticoats and a metal frame are all the rage.
Special splendor and richness of decoration of the dress acquired with the advent of Queen Victoria to the throne. Romanticism, dreamy, spiritualized, sublime images are the hallmarks of this period. The fashionable hourglass silhouette was created using a graceful corset, crinoline skirt and puffy wide sleeves on the frame.
Late 19th century
In the 60s, vintage long dresses were decorated with a patterned border, teeth, scallops, voluminous flounces. In diameter, the hem gradually reached three meters. This period was called the "second Rococo". Elegant hats and bonnets, gloves, shawls, boas, muffs and jewelry were worn with the dresses.
In the 70s, the bustle came into fashion - a small frame and a pillow designed to be placed behind the hem of the dress. This made it possible to give the figure splendor. The back of the dress was decorated with draperies, folds and ruffles.
Well, at the end of the 19th century, clothing production began to develop even moremore active. The range of fabrics has expanded enormously. The first fashion houses began to open. Gradually, fluffy skirts began to go out of fashion. They were replaced by straight, more strict silhouettes. In a word, fashion is changeable. Therefore, today we put on completely different styles, and only look with admiration at the images of luxurious old dresses.
