20

Dress, 1915-1919

During this period, dresses often consisted of a shorter overgown worn on top of a longer skirt. The skirt was narrow and the neck was left bare.

The ideal was a body that was free to move. The corset was done away with. However, the corset-less fashion sometimes came under criticism. Having had the support of a corset for years, many women struggled to bear the weight of their own torso. Sometimes, elastic girdles were used, or, as seen here, metal boning was sewn into the lining of the garments.

A kimono-shaped overgown and skirt in grey silk satin. The overgown is trimmed with flower boughs made from satin tubes filled with wadding and red satin, silver and white lace. The dress was made in Dresden, Germany.

Material

Silk, metallic thread

Length

137 cm

Technique

Atlas, lace, tulle

Inventory number

KM 65258