Dress

More Information: Created as an alternative to the androgynous fashion of the 1920s, the robe de style “embodied the femininity of youth” by creating close fitting bodices over large bouffant skirts. Built in starched cotton and wire structures, called panniers, create the fullness of the skirt in this particular dress, emphasizing the hips. The robe de style “spoke to luxury, wealth, and high social status,” much like the French 18th century robe à la Française, from which the robe de style took inspiration. The style, while not adopted by the majority of society during the 1920s, could easily hide a larger figure, still giving an illusion of slimness through its wide flowy feminine skirts. Copying the styles of French designer Jeanne Lanvin, this particular robe de style has sparse surface embellishments, adding visual interest to the otherwise unadorned silk satin canvas.