1900 - 1910 Fashions By: Aysha Schurman The trends that marked 1900-1910 fashions reflected a significant turning

point in history and style. The end of the Victorian era and beginning of the Edwardia n era, this period reflected the manner in which men's and women's clothes were losing a little of their rigid formality and becoming more useful. An important aspect of 1900 to 1910 fashions is the change of technology across many countries. The Industrial Revolution was in full swing and cloth could now be mass produced. This led to clothing that could be mass produced, which was an entirely new fashion concept. People no longer had to make their clothes themse lves or rely on a seamstress or tailor. Some outfits could be bought off the rac k for the very first time. Women Women adopted a simpler fashion form from 1900 to 1910 than they had done in pre vious years. Restrictive corsets and high collars relaxed slightly. Dresses were still the standard, but they no longer needed to be puffed up around the hips w ith petticoats. Skirts became floor length instead of trailing. One of the popular styles later in the decade between 1900 to 1910 was the hobbl e skirt. This skirt was somewhat full at the waist and tapered towards the ankle s. Hats were still all the rage and the larger the better. It didn't matter what your hat was decorated with, as long as it was decorated and big. Men Men's fashion did not change much from 1900 to 1910. However, fabrics could be m ore lightweight and breathable than the heavy and stuffy materials to which men were accustomed. Suits were not quite as restrictive or formal, but still rather dull. Men's slacks were wider at the bottom than their predecessors, but still just a small change from the basic three-piece suit. A noticeable trend for men between 1900 to 1910 was the high celluloid collar. T he detachable collar came around the neck and ended in front with two, small, ov erturned corners. The opening made by these overturned corners landed just about at the adams apple. Fashion Trend Hits Though the Edwardian fashions from 1900 to 1910 were uncomfortable, there is no doubt the dresses were breathtaking. The quality and thought, not to mention cre ativity, that went into each and every piece is amazing. These types of dresses are still inspiring many kinds of formal wear for women. Fashion Trend Misses The Edwardian corset, an undergarment that shaped the torso in an "S" bend, was a true tragedy of fashion. Like most corsets, it made women ill and deformed the ir bodies. In the most severe cases the corset had to be worn for life because o f atrophied muscles or deformed spines. Most men's fashion from 1900 to 1910 involves a suit. These were rather drab and boring pieces with little to admire besides workmanship. The suits have long be en out of style, as much for their discomfort as for their drab appearance.