MovieChat Forums > Emma (1996) Discussion > Women's Fashions Through the Centuries

Women's Fashions Through the Centuries

posted 17 years ago by HijodelCid
5 replies | jump to latest

One of the reasons I watch period movies is to analyze and compare women's fashions through the centuries. Some centuries are undeniably more flattering than others. Greek fashions were very graceful, while Roman fashions were heavier and clumsier. 18th century fashions of the type seen in AMADEUS are very cute and sexy; Regency fashions of the type seen in EMMA and other Austen movies, on the other hand, are anything but cute or sexy. All through EMMA, I find myself thinking: did women actually dare to go outside in those shifts that look exactly like NIGHTGOWNS???!!!

God is subtle, but He is not malicious. (Albert Einstein)

[–] KatrinaW 17 years ago

I think the Regency fashions were so flattering to many body types, and would have been very comfortable to wear. I don't think corsets were in fashion or worn at that time; can you imagine having to be laced into a corset, as women later in the 1800's had to endure!

My favorite Jane Austen adaptation was the film Sense & Sensibility, with Kate Winslet and Emma Thompason. The dresses in that were so pretty, and very realistic. The clothes in Emma seemed too costumey to me.

[–] HijodelCid 17 years ago

At this moment I'm watching THE UNTOUCHABLES on CINEMAX. Girl, were the fashions of the early 1930s UGLY! The hats(?) that women wore in that period look as if someone as heavy as Oliver Hardy had sat on them and used them as pillows.

God is subtle, but He is not malicious. (Albert Einstein)

[–] 17 years ago

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[–] TooSlim 17 years ago

I love the clothing of the Regency period, both men and women. And I also like the clothing of the 1920's.... And not all clothing from the 1930's is ugly, some of the women's evening gowns are stunning.

[–] 17 years ago

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