Monday, May 28, 2012

WOMEN ON THE VERGE

"Indeed, I would venture to guess that Anon, who wrote so many poems without signing them, was often a woman."
                                                --- Virginia Woolf, A Room of One's Own


I am no scholar in women's studies, so the following are merely foolish observations.


My recent readings seem to be set in periods of great change for women. And so, my thoughts have been inching along that timeline, from the late 19th through the early 20th century:  a rather progressive period for women.  In part, propelled by men (thanks to Charles Dana Gibson's satirical illustrations).  And of course, in part, by women.




Where do we go from here?
Dress: Sugarlips

The 19th century Gibson Girls were a plucky bunch:  educated, athletic, dominant.  I could learn a thing or two!  The next generation did, and went beyond. Corsets were discarded. Victorian mores were questioned.  The movement for women's suffrage intensified.  By the 1920s, Flapper ladies had bared their limbs and declared: if men can do it, women can do it too.  (Quite to the horror of the traditional population.)


What are we reaching for now?
Dress: Sugarlips


So I was thrilled when Sugarlips sent me this delicate, crocheted dress above, reminiscent of a Jazz Age tea dress.  It seemed ready to step into a Gatsby garden party.  My hat is of the '70s floppy variety, but I had in mind the big, flowered hats from La Belle Époque, sliding time's ruler back on the outfit, if only in thought.  (I could have stretched it centuries forward with a Balenciaga Darth Vader hat if I had one.)


House of Lanvin
"Roseraie" dress
1923
Photo: The Met Museum


As I was trawling the web, I came upon this lovely "Roseraie" dress from the House of Lanvin in 1923.  It was inspired by Art Nouveau and the Paris Exposition latticework.  What better way to show that Change does not occur in isolation.  Historic developments are accompanied by tectonic shifts in art, architecture, literature, science, and so on.  This time span was seismically driven on various fronts by women such as Gertrude Stein, Virginia Woolf, Marie Curie, or Jeanne Lanvin and Coco Chanel ...  along with the great men who orbited their worlds.  

I can see now what Woolf meant about the prolific Anonymous being, perhaps, female throughout time.  What do you think?

***
Thank you to Sugarlips for the lovely gift.

Note to readers: I stand by the independence of this blog.  Any outfits featured are present because they somehow connect with me and my taste, not because I am paid to promote them.



14 comments:

  1. What a wonderful gift - and this Lanvin dress is incredible! I love the 20s lines, sadly they do not suit me at all. But they look great on you! xoxo

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  2. Wonderful dress, hat and thoughts! - I often think about the way culture and science evolve with significant historical events and how people clothe and present themselves to the world is embedded in that somehow. Have to seek out this Anonymous by Woolf now.

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  3. You look absolutely beautiful in this crochet dress. I like how chic you have styled it up.

    xoxo Ra

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  4. it's a beautiful dress..and loved the article..i take great inspiration form these anonymous women who did so much to further the cause of women..

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  5. Your writing is lace, and that dress is a dream. Is that you wearing it??
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  6. I adore latticework, and the historical change involved with women and our clothing is so interesting. I loved that dress by Sugarlips. Beautiful photos as well. Good post -xxoo

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  7. Love those cute poses!

    | Bright Green Laces |

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  8. It must have been a wonderful time for women. I like to remember my sisters from the past and the hoops they jumped through to make the world what is today for us. I always vote - it was not that long ago when we were not allowed to. My hat is off to them all. Loving your look and shots for this post. Very pretty dress. Xxxx

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  9. You have cited Virginia! I agree with you, women have always show strength and overcoming along the time. The Lanvin dress is just perfect.

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  10. Love the dress and the pictures!!! =))

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  11. That dress looks great on you!! And It's always a great inspiration reading your posts!

    Don't Call Me Fashion Blogger
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  12. you look stunning. love these pictures. Another fabulous post, love. If you get a sec, I'd love to hear your thoughts on my latest outfit post. xo

    www.fashboulevard.blogspot.com

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Dear Fellow Aesthetes, I love hearing your thoughts. I think the other readers find them valuable too! Much love xxx

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