Culture and Fashion

Late Victorian Era (1890-1901)

Culture in the late Victorian period was characterized by great change with scientific, political and social developments greatly resonating with the public.
Literature was a major part of Victorian culture with authors like Thomas Hardy and H. G. Wells capturing the social issues of their time.
The Aesthetic Movement, exemplified by artists like Oscar Wilde, celebrated beauty and ‘art for art’s sake’, rejecting the moral and political themes that dominated much of Victorian literature.
Fashion for women featured tight corsets, large-brimmed hats, and high-necked dresses. Bustles became less popular by the end of the period.
Men’s fashion highlighted the importance of social status, with wealthier men wearing morning coats or frock coats, while working-class men commonly wore simpler suits.

Edwardian Era (1901-1910)

The Edwardian era marked a distinct shift in British culture with advances in technology, social reforms, and the advent of women’s suffrage playing crucial roles.
This period saw the popularity of writers such as Joseph Conrad and Rudyard Kipling, who explored themes of imperialism and societal pressure.
Wealthy Edwardians enjoyed leisure activities like horse racing, while the working class found entertainment in music halls and the newly invented cinema.
Edwardian fashion loosened, with women wearing flowing dresses and high waistlines, marking the end of the constrictive Victorian era. The “Gibson Girl” look—blouses and long skirts—was popular among young women.
Men’s fashion included the introduction of the lounge suit, a less formal alternative to the frock coat, reflecting a more relaxed social attitude.

Pre-War Period (1910-1914)

The years leading up to World War I saw a growing tension between the classes, along with the rise of socialism, trade unions, and the suffragette movement.
This period’s literature reflected this unrest, with writers like D.H. Lawrence and George Bernard Shaw examining class and romantic relationships.
The arts and crafts movement and the art nouveau style influenced design, while the Ballets Russes prompted a craze for Orientalism and exotic designs in fashion and the arts.
Fashion trends began to change rapidly with the introduction of the tunic dress, as well as shorter hemlines for women, and single-breasted jackets and trousers for men, which were much more practical for an increasingly active society.
The increasing popularity of sports and outdoor activities also influenced fashion, leading to the use of more practical fabrics and less cumbersome designs.