What Fashion Trend Started in Paris in the 1890’s?

By Robert Palmer

Paris has long been known as the fashion capital of the world, with many of today’s most popular trends originating in this city. However, did you know that one of the earliest fashion trends also started in Paris?

In the 1890s, a new style emerged that would change the way people dressed for decades to come. This trend was known as the “Gibson Girl” look.

What is the Gibson Girl look?

The Gibson Girl look was named after the illustrations of American artist Charles Dana Gibson. His drawings of tall, slender women with hourglass figures and upswept hair became incredibly popular in both Europe and America.

The Gibson Girl look was characterized by a high-necked blouse or dress, a tightly cinched waist, and a long, flowing skirt. The overall effect was one of elegance and femininity.

Why did it become so popular?

The Gibson Girl look was popular for several reasons. For one thing, it represented a departure from the restrictive clothing styles that had been popular in previous decades.

Women were finally able to move more freely and breathe more easily in their clothes. Additionally, the Gibson Girl look represented wealth and status – only women who could afford expensive clothing and accessories could truly pull off this style.

How did it spread?

The popularity of the Gibson Girl look spread quickly across Europe and America thanks to magazines like Harper’s Weekly that featured Gibson’s illustrations regularly. Women were inspired by these images and wanted to emulate them in real life. Designers began creating clothing lines inspired by the Gibson Girl style, making it accessible to women of all backgrounds.

How did it influence fashion today?

The influence of the Gibson Girl look can still be seen in modern fashion trends. The hourglass figure is still considered desirable for women, as is long flowing hair.

High-necked blouses and dresses also remain popular, especially in formal settings. The Gibson Girl look may have been a trend that started over a century ago, but its impact can still be felt today.

Conclusion

The Gibson Girl look was a fashion trend that started in Paris in the 1890s, and it quickly became popular across Europe and America. The style was characterized by a high-necked blouse or dress, a tightly cinched waist, and a long, flowing skirt. It represented elegance, femininity, and wealth, and its influence can still be seen in modern fashion trends today.