I've always been fascinated with fashion in general - as evidenced by my closet and what's in it...but that's a topic for another time.  In recent years my fascination has been based on what my Mom and my aunts would have been wearing in a given period of time; the wardrobes they would have dreamed of having had they had more means, etc...lived in the cities vs rural areas, etc...Back in those days, whether venturing outside of home or being at home, there were specific clothes for daytime, afternoon, evening, formal, etc. - I think you get my point...basically a lot more thought into the planning of the wardrobe.


So what were they planning during Spring/Summer 1926?? I go to my favorite source to answer this question Fashion Service Magazine...

THE FEMININE MODE RETURNS

A wise French woman has said, "There is nothing new except what is forgotten?" 

Time was when ladies were frankly ladies, in the picturesque ruffles, laces, and ribbons of days gone by.  Perhaps it is because we have almost forgotten the charm of those delightful times in the monotonous straight-line, boyish vogue of the last few years that ruffles, shirrings, scallops, and frills of today are hailed as new.  Perhaps - but it doesn't matter.

What does matter exceedingly to lovely women is that here and now there are fabrics from the vapory, filmy sort that every woman covets, to those of sturdy strength, in designs that are new and as lovely as any the world has yet seen; that yard upon yard of fragile lace and exquisite ribbon have been made for her adornment; and that with her own two capable hands she can cut and stitch and fashion these beautiful things into the feminine gowns and wraps that Fashion once more decrees.

The fact that the mode has turned feminine does not mean that things are overdone.  But it does mean that every detail receives due attention.  Fine needlework, itself the most feminine of the arts, comes into prominence in neck and sleeve finishes and other important details.

Neck lines are collared or collarless, the collars narrow and erect, soft and turned down, or widened into capelets.  A new note is the sailor or navy collar.  Lingerie touches are prominent in collars, jabots, and gilets.  Many huge bows are worn on youthful models.  The V-line is perhaps the most favored one.

Sleeves introduce many surprises in their plaitings, balloon puffs, embroidery, novel lingerie details, and general elaboration.  Long sleeves are smartest and very popular.  Some frocks are sleeveless, and others have the comfortable short sleeves that summer invariably brings.

Despite some attempts to bring waist lines to normal locations, favor still inclines to the dropped line, which is emphasized by blousing all arounds, in back, or on the side.  Wide girdles and sashes frequently accompany the blouse.  Narrow belts on jumpers are new and smart.  Two belts on one frock are seen in many instances.  The "page boy" silhouette brings the waist line nearest its normal point by attaching outstanding circular-cut sections, singly or in groups, over the hips.  Other means of suggesting the normal line are the bolero and the chevron, or up-in-front, tendency.

Skirts continue full, but few godets are seen.  Gathers, plaitings, and simple bias cuts that hang in folds and sometimes give uneven hem lines - these are the smart treatments.  Scallops are often seen finishing skirts as well as sleeves, collars, and other details.

The robe de style is enjoying unusual favor in both taffeta and organdie.  Other fabric favorites of the season are the polka-dot prints, flower-strewn chiffons and lace.

Capes cannot be overlooked as features of both coats and dresses.  Moreover, they exist independently in many cases for evening as well as sports wear.  Another wrap that promises to be popular is the sleeveless coat, usually of chiffon for evening.

An ensemble note prevails throughout, due to careful harmonizing of colors and textures.  This is enhanced by the choice of accessories and elaborate jewels that further emphasize the revival of styles from the legend-gone days.


Interesting huh? I read similar thoughts from today's wardrobe choices and thus design decisions...May all your thoughts be vintage this season...Au Revoir!