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WW1 fashion - As it was. Is. And Ever Will Be
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WW1 fashion - As it was. Is. And Ever Will Be
" What absurd clothes, my dear; besides; you really look a little fast." Cartoon by G. E. Peto in The Sketch, 1915 commenting on the changing silhouette of womens fashion in response to war. Whereas prior to the war, the hobble skirt had reigned among young, fashionable types; war work required shorter and wider skirts to allow freedom of movement. Date: 1915
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Media ID 23042042
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Changing Freedom Hemline Hemlines Nov17 Outline Peto Practical Skirt Skirts Fashionable Short
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What absurd clothes, my dear; besides, you really look a little fast.
EDITORS COMMENTS
This witty remark, spoken by a character in a cartoon published in The Sketch in 1915, encapsulates the changing sentiment towards women's fashion during World War I. The cartoon, drawn by G.E. Peto, depicts a fashionable woman being teased by a man for her outdated hobble skirt, which had been the epitome of youthful style prior to the war. The onset of war necessitated a shift in fashion, as women took on new roles in factories and munitions plants. The practicality of shorter and wider skirts became essential for allowing greater freedom of movement. This transition is humorously illustrated in Peto's cartoon, as the woman in question is shown awkwardly attempting to navigate her old-fashioned hobble skirt in a war factory setting. The cartoon serves as a testament to the significant impact of historical events on fashion trends. The hobble skirt, with its narrow hemline and restrictive design, was a stark contrast to the functional and practical skirts that became popular during the war. This change in fashion was not only a response to the demands of war work but also a reflection of the evolving roles and expectations of women in society. As we look back at this historical moment, it is fascinating to consider how the silhouette of women's fashion evolved in response to the exigencies of war. Peto's cartoon offers a humorous and insightful commentary on this transformation, reminding us of the enduring power of fashion to reflect and shape the cultural zeitgeist.
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