19th Century Fashion History
4. October 2021The Brandboxx trade fairs show what will be hot tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. But what was yesterday and the day before yesterday? The fascinating and changeable history of fashion has many exciting and surprising developments to offer. Showed that 18th century Still an exciting mixture of evolution and revolution, the zeitgeist of the following century left the linear path completely. The history of fashion in the 19th century produced four major trends – one or the other will perhaps even speak of “trends” – that flowed into one another in a complex manner.
The Empire
An unusual name for the epoch? Absolutely and yet so meaningful, because this imperialist phase, which experienced its heyday from 1800 to 1820, revolves around Napoleon’s empire. Corresponds to formal and yet expansive men’s fashion – a buttoned tailcoat with quite modern trousers that are not dissimilar to today’s trousers. Suspenders, knee-high boots and top hats accompanied these mostly dark outfits made of leather and linen. The fashion history of the 19th century is also evidence of rediscovery. Among other things, women were enthusiastic about ancient Greece. Long robes with deep necklines and magnificent decorations, accompanied by high hats, reflect lightness.
Biedermeier
Homemade and conservative – the fashion of the restoration did not allow for any huge leaps. Accordingly, relatively little has changed for Mann. Furthermore, the colors remained dark, the cylinder high. Sleeveless coats were introduced, but the knee-high gauntlet left its place to the half-boot. And for you? Expansive shapes met shoes that were still flat. Visually widened skirts were in and formed a sharp contrast to the tightly laced waist. Scarves and shawls, ribbons and floral decorations were indispensable accessories.
A second rococo
In the middle of the 19th century, fashion history changed direction again and cultivated a style that is now often referred to as the “Second Rococo”. The mixture of wide skirt and narrow waist continues for women, but is accompanied by wide-cut dresses at balls, while everyday life relies on high-necked dresses. The mantilla, a short cloak over the dress, was introduced as well as the ankle boots and the high-heeled shoe. For men, the top hat found competition from bowler hats, tailcoats met jackets and tuxedos. The trousers, on the other hand, had a straight, unspectacular cut with a striped pattern.
Welcome to the early days
Towards the end of the 19th century, the fashion history of the era showed a particularly complex picture. So almost nothing changed for the men. The jacket had almost completely replaced the tailcoat and shirt, the hat fashion was supplemented by the circular saw, a flat straw hat, while the shoes became increasingly pointed. Women, on the other hand, were “happy” about a stylistic reorientation. Skirts turned into the opposite and became so tight that they even caused problems when walking – accompanied by still tight bodices, which literally pushed the bust upwards. Ornaments increased, as did the height of the now narrower and more pointed shoes.
The very changeable fashion history of the 19th century reveals trends for the present, which even today are at least partially taken up in retro-chic. Is retro in this year? Or can it be hyper-modern? Find out as a trade visitor at the upcoming Brandboxx trade fairs and set up your Accreditation request to the Brandboxx team.
Go Back