Victorian - Edwardian
The Victorian to Edwardian periods showed a gradual progression from constricted, tightly corseted clothing to more freedom and ease of movement for women as they played more sports and ventured out into the working world. Still, most clothing was made at home or by skilled dressmakers in small ateliers. This period also saw the origins and rise of the great couture houses, beginning with Charles Frederick Worth through Paul Poiret, who was inspired by dancers like Isadora Duncan, Loie Fuller and the Ballet Russes. Also, Mariano Fortuny, Maria Gallenga, Jaques Doucet, and Jeanne Paquin opened their doors.
Even though Edward VII died in 1910, I include the teens and WWI era in this section. This period saw the rise of designers such as Jeanne Lanvin, Lucille, Boue Soeurs, Callot Soeurs, and perhaps the person most responsible for freeing the body, Coco Chanel.
