Art nouveau style
The time before and after the century tremendous developments in science and tech-nology had their influence on lifestyles. The fabric, color and cut was now suited to its purpose and occasion. Basic characteristics of this style ware soft, flowing, lines, simple ornaments inspired from nature, and designs were suited to the materials.
Women's fashion was luxurious and extravagant with material, cut, and the finish.
Skirts with a slim silhouette were preferred. They were narrow at the front and trailed in folds at the back. The flared skirt, cut out of panels appeared. It was tight-fitting at the hips and flared out in many folds from the knee. Lining and underskirts, both silk and trimmed with flounces, gave fullness to the dress. The bodice was always high necked and had a high stand-up collar for daywear. Around 1900, the princess cut
came into fashion and the very long sleeves became narrower. Breasts were empha- sized by lacing the body into a corset. From the side , the body then resembled an S-shape. Around 1914, the straight skirt, often with a draped over skirt, combined with a short top dominated day wear. An oriental style was preferred for extravagant evening wear. Men wore the suit in a moderately fitted style. The dinner jacket ap- peared in formal evening dress and from then on, tails were not worn in the evening except for large, official occasions. The overcoat was chosen according to the suit.
Apart from the elegant Chesterfield, the casual Ulster, the comfortable Raglan and the short coat were favor.