THE LOOK! After 1908 the silhouette became longer and the waistline creeped higher. The dresses was fitted closer to the body and the skirts was raised to ankle-length. "Hobble skirts" was introduced by fashion designer Paul_Poiret, restricting the movement but helped creating the longline look. But many skirts of the era had drapings, slits and hidden pleats in order to move. The look reminds of the "Empire" style in the early 1800īs. Sports was a great influence in the new style since it demanded more flexible garments. For travel the suit was popular, creating an almost masculine look, Rose DeWitt Bukater wears a suit with tie and high collar in the boarding scene. Oriental patterns and softer fabrics became popular.
CORSETS! Around 1908-1914 the death of the corset was inevitable when the "Edwardian Corset" sported a new look. The restricted victorian corset had created the hourglass look but was not fit for an active lifestyle. At the turn of the century it became popular among women to participate in sports. The "new" active woman demanded a freedom to movie in order to play golf and tennis. Also, the athletic longline look did not favour a tiny waist, but the wanted look was slim without curves. The higher waistline did not either required the old hourglass figure. Wide hips was no longer desired so the corset grew longer and could also but cut below the bust The downside was difficulty in movement and the feeling of uncomfort. Rose DeWitt Bukater can be seen in a long corset that ends right below the hips and is cut over the bust.
![]()
HATS! The 1910īs was the last decade that sported big hats. It seems that size of hats skirts is connected. During the era of the hopp/crinolin and bustle the hats were small and was called bonnets. But when the silhouette turned slimmer at the turn of the century, the hats grew. In fashion was also hats with deeper crowns (as you can see in the picture above). The etiquette of the time required a hat, without it you were not regarded properly dressed, even indoors. But, for ladies hats were not worn as evening habit. In the scene where Ruth DeWitt Bukater have tea with Countess of Rothes you can see that all ladies in the party is wearing hats. And look around them, almost every lady in that scene is wearing a hat. Rose DeWitt Bukater only wears a hat in the boarding scene, and she stands out in every scene where ladies wearing hats is present. It is a true break of etiquette and shows Roses rebellious side.
![]()
ACCESSORIES! Choker necklaces was made popular by Queen Alexandra of United Kingdom, who was self-conscious about a scar on her neck and hid it with chokers and high necklines. For complete the evening habit, full length white gloves was worn. In the dinner scene you can see that most of the women are wearing them.
Further information!
The Antique Corset Gallery
Return to "History"