A Century Of Style: The Challenge (Day One, 1900-1910)

My Great-grandmother's 1906 wedding blouse worn with a vintage Aquascutum waistcoat and a 1970's David Pressler maxi skirt

 

Yesterday, the lovely Alex challenged me to dress in the fashions of the Twentieth Century, decade by decade, for ten days. 

Leather "Edwardian Lady" Boots (British Heart Foundation £4.99)

Welcome to Day One, 1900-1910

The Period known as La Belle Epoque which commenced in 1895 reached a peak of popularity following the death of Queen Victoria in 1901. An epoch in luxury living and beautiful clothes for the select few born into a life of privilege.

Cameo brooch (Inherited)

The austerity of the Victorian era was forgotten as women of the upper-classes dressed to show their wealth and status. 

 

Cream and white became the colours of the day to show that the fashionable could afford servants to launder their clothes, made filthy by galavanting around town, riding in motorcars and playing croquet. Handbags were rarely necessary as a maidservant would carry what a lady required. 

Hair became big and extravagent and jewellery was opulent and expensive. A lady put up her hair to show she was mature enough for marriage (hence I'm wearing mine down.)

Edward VII's brief reign ended upon his death in 1910 and he was succeeded by George V.