Fashion in the period 1900–1909 in the Western world continued the severe, long and elegant lines of the late 1890s. Tall, stiff collars characterize the period, as do women’s broad hats and full “Gibson Girl” hairstyles. A new, columnar silhouette introduced by the couturiers of Paris late in the decade signaled the approaching abandonment of the corset as an indispensable garment.
Studio portraits of young European women in the early 20th century
The fashionable silhouette in the early 20th century was that of a confident woman, with full low chest and curvy hips. The “health corset” of this period removed pressure from the abdomen and created an S-curve silhouette.
Since 1897, the silhouette slimmed and elongated by a considerable amount. Blouses and dresses were full in front and puffed into a “pigeon breast” shape of the early 20th century that looked over the narrow waist, which sloped from back to front and was often accented with a sash or belt. Necklines were supported by very high boned collars.
Skirts brushed the floor, often with a train, even for day dresses, in mid-decade. The fashion houses of Paris began to show a new silhouette, with a thicker waist, flatter bust, and narrower hips. By the end of the decade the most fashionable skirts cleared the floor and approached the ankle. The overall silhouette narrowed and straightened, beginning a trend that would continue into the years leading up to the Great War.
These elegant photos were found by Patrick Bradley that show studio portraits of young European women in the early 20th century.
Portrait of a girl at R.Schönfelder studio, Reichenbach im Vogtland, Germany, circa 1900
Portrait of a young woman at H.Ephron studio, Wien (Vienna), Austria/Hungary, 1900
Portrait of a young woman at Johanne Birkedahl studio, Nakskov, Denmark, circa 1900
Portrait of a young woman at Sigrid Graff studio, Båstad, Sweden, circa 1900
Portrait of a young woman with dog at Fritz Kayser studio, Hannover, Germany, circa 1900
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