I think in a previous life I was a princess or something like that or as my friends often say, a countess. And I’m telling this because I love castles, I love long loose dresses, love that exquisite elegance which royals have since childhood.
I have often thought about how it would be to live in a castle, to wake up in the morning in a tall and imposing room with large windows, with some beautiful curtains and wood furniture in the Louis the XIV style. How it would be to serve tea in the middle of the bed, enjoying a beautiful area, full of greenery, which I see on the wide open window; don’t you daydrem often? 🙂
From all history periods, I find myself the most in Belle Epoque (1890-1914). It was a period of European peace, economic growth and technological progress and corresponded with the playful erotic Art Nouveau movement. During the reign of Edward VII, the society has experienced a transition from the rigid values of monarch to what is perceived as the era of decadent relaxation.
How did the outfits look at that time?
The dresses, in Belle Epoque, were molded on the body, from the chest to thighs with sleeves in the form of sheep leg or simplier, which were accessorized with long white gloves. Necklines were high to chin, at day time dresses, which elongate the silhouette, while waist were natural, standing straight under thighs, with skirts in gussets, falling gently on the floor. Wide brimmed hats, decorated with silk flowers or feathers were puted in clips of voluminous buns.

Belle Epoque was associated with the s-shaped corset or head of the swan. Searching of a tightened waist, which could be achieved using Victorian corset, has led to many health concerns because the corset put strong pressure on the stomach and it was believed that it contributes to the movement of internal organs. In response, in Belle Epoque, Ines Gaches Sarraute invented the new S-shaped corset, which tried to create a right front part, extending the corset down, the buttom became more prominent and the bust was pushed forward. The idea was to thin the waist and give elegance and femininity to any lady who wore it.
Always, the woman wanted to feel beautiful and inspire sensuality and femininity through garment style, by non verbal communication, gestures. Whether we talk about corsets, more or less inconvenient or aerodynamics hairstyles or wigs, in every century, the woman tried to be sensual and express that in the way society allowed at that time.
My day at the castle was full of emotion and beautiful feelings dressed casually in the style of XXI century, because our century mark in terms of garment, it is governed by lightness and convenience.
Try for a day to forget all the daily problems and indulge yourself! You will feel beautiful, loved and happy!

Dearfully,