By Ivan Gomez
Director of Photography Haguit Zahava
Models: Katherine Anderson, Marnita Robinson, Kylan Richburg
Fashion Designer: Luther Parker
Make up: Yaira Rubie Gonzalez
Hairstyle: Mashare
In the year 1900, fashion and style were defined by a unique combination of elegance and simplicity. The focus was on refined, understated garments that exuded a sense of refinement and sophistication.
For women, the most popular silhouette of the time was the “S-bend” corset, which helped to create a distinct hourglass figure. Skirts were worn ankle length and were often adorned with delicate lace, embroidery, or beading. High-necked blouses and long-sleeved dresses were also popular, as were long, flowing capes and wraps.
For men, fashion in 1900 was marked by a return to classic, traditional styles. Tailored suits, crisp white shirts, and bow ties were all considered essential elements of a well-dressed man’s wardrobe. Top hats and canes were also common accessories, as were pocket watches and fob chains.
For African Americans, fashion and style were shaped by a unique set of cultural, social, and economic factors.
One major trend in African American fashion in 1900 was the use of traditional, hand-made garments and accessories. Many African American women, for example, favored headwraps and scarves made from brightly colored cotton or silk, which were often adorned with intricate patterns and designs. Men, meanwhile, often wore fedoras or other types of wide-brimmed hats, which were often made from felt or straw.
Overall, African American fashion and style in 1900 reflected a unique blend of tradition and innovation, as well as a strong sense of cultural pride and identity. Despite the many social and economic challenges faced by African Americans at the time, the fashion and style of this community was a powerful statement of resilience and self-expression.