Art Nouveau dresses were popular in Europe and the US from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. Early styles were formal and ornate, with an hourglass shape and lace trim, while later styles were more relaxed and followed the natural shape of the body. Soft fabrics and lighter colors were favored. Some dresses had a suit top with a long flowing skirt.
The Art Nouveau period lasted from the late 1800s to the early 1900s, during which movement-inspired glassware, metalware, jewelry, and dress became popular in Europe and the United States. The earliest styles of art nouveau dress were formal, decorative hourglass-shaped gowns with long, flared skirts, high shoulders, and lace trim. Later styles were cut more relaxed, following the natural shape of the body, and often used softer fabrics.
At the beginning of the movement, art nouveau dresses were inspired by later Victorian dresses. Dresses often featured tapering plunging necklines into dramatic bell sleeves. The waistlines were cut to fit well with the boned corsets that were popular at the time, giving the dress an hourglass shape when worn. A long flared skirt, often with a train, extended from the tight waist line.
These early art nouveau dresses were highly ornate and highly detailed. The addition of lace scallops along the neckline and bottom hem of the skirt were popular. Many dresses featured pearls, gold thread, or different jewels sewn along the cuffs and neckline. The combination of solid silk with patterned material was also popular.
As the movement progressed, art nouveau dresses took a less formal turn. The invention of the S-shaped corset steered designers away from the more formal hourglass shape and toward a more natural-looking cut. These dresses followed the natural curve of the female body and allowed for more movement. Later styles still favored plunging necklines, but the sleeves became smaller and more casual looking.
Along with a different shape, these dresses also featured softer materials and colors. Many later art nouveau dresses favored lightweight material and often used more lace throughout the main body of the dress. The softer materials made these dresses flow more naturally than the previous art nouveau style.
Another, slightly less popular style of art nouveau dress featured a suit top. The flared sleeves and plunging neckline were replaced with a fitted suit top and a long, flowing skirt that extended from the bottom of the suit top. These costume dresses often incorporated the same lace, fabric, and jewel embellishments, and many had lace and silk brocade along the skirt and waist.
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