Any dive into Edwardian style without a mention of Downton Abbey would be sacrilege. The first season imbued late Edwardian life and fashions.
Be it Lady Mary’s sleek gowns or Tom Branson’s perfectly tailored suits, every outfit was a slice of the extravagance that defined this age. Nevertheless, the unwavering Dowager Countess herself, Violet Crawley, was the true queen of sartorial elegance. She was a formidable presence with her glittering brooches, elaborate lace collars, and larger-than-life hats.
Plus, the fact that she didn’t know what a weekend was adds further to the histrionics. Edwardian aristocrats sure lived in a world where every single day was a celebration of timeless opulence.
Would you like to enter the glitzy world of the Crawleys? Your pass to discovering the subtleties of Edwardian luxury is this article. We will discuss how this period was known for its ornate feasts, fashion, and lifestyles.
Dressing for the Drama With a Gilded Wardrobe
The Edwardian motto for fashion was pretty straightforward: Go big or go home, but make it chic either way. This era’s wardrobes were nothing short of theatrical productions, each outfit curated to turn eyes and excite envy.
First up is the S-bend corset, extreme in name only. To Edwardian ladies, it was their ticket to achieving the coveted hourglass shape of the era. The age-old chase for the ideal body type just took another form.
The tight lacing was an extension of the “health corset” designed by Gaches-Sarraute of Paris, a corsetiere who studied medicine. She aimed at removing the pressure from a woman’s vital organs. However, the craze for a hand-span waist was the spirit of the age of opulence. Women didn’t mind having a waist as narrow as 18 inches or an enormous monobosom in the process!
The gowns and hats simply dressed up the skeleton of drama started by the corset of the era. The Edwardian dress was all about volume and movement, layered with delicate lace, shimmering silk, and intricate embroidery. As for the hats, they were the pièce de résistance, wide-brimmed and adorned with flowers, feathers, and ribbons.
Large Hats
Queen Alexandra herself was renowned for her towering hats, setting the stage for the millinery drama. Accessories were no afterthought either: gloves extended past the elbows and delicate fans fluttered like restless butterflies.
As ladies dressed to the nines, the Edwardian gents were plotting their own style statements. Sharply-tailored three-piece suits, bowler hats, high waistcoats, and pocket watches were the hallmark of a typical Edwardian gentleman. Even leisurewear was thoughtfully dramatic, often featuring knee-length knickers and patterned socks.
The opulence of Edwardian fashion is carefully preserved in the ultimate floating runway of 1912, the Titanic. The first-class ladies and gentlemen were so impeccably dressed that even the iceberg may have paused just to admire their style before….well, you know the rest.
An Edwardian Romance With Colombian Emeralds
Edwardian fabrics may have been a quaint combination of creams and pastels, but they made up for it with their fine jewels. Nothing made a grander statement than the lush green of emeralds.
Often viewed as symbols of renewal and prosperity, emeralds added a splash of drama that didn’t overwhelm the overall refined look. Colombian emeralds, in particular, turned heads, as featured in exquisite jewelry pieces commissioned by the era’s aristocracy. For instance, when Queen Mary attended the third and final Delhi Durbar in India in 1911, her jewelry collection included a stunning emerald tiara!
Another notable example is the Duchess of Windsor, who was also Queen Alexandra herself. She had emerald pieces in the form of a brooch and a necklace, gifted by Lady Curzon in 1901. After her death, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Gloucester inherited parts of the collection.
The main question is what made Colombian emeralds so sought after, especially since diamonds and pearls were common among the Edwardian aristocracy? The truth is that the former never just stumbled into the Edwardian jewelry scene. Colombian emeralds in the era were the result of booming international trade and imperial connections.
Given the brilliant cut of Colombian emeralds, the vibrant green treasures journeyed across oceans straight into the hands (and heads) of British aristocracy. By the late 19th CE, Colombia had emerged as the premier source of the world’s finest emeralds. Renowned houses like Cartier and Garrard began sourcing these gems to satisfy the growing Edwardian appetite for bold jewelry.
Fast forward to today, and this verdant romance lives on among modern connoisseurs. Colombia is still the largest producer of emeralds, accounting for 55% of the world market. Just like the Edwardians did a century ago, you can also elevate your style with Leibish’s rare Colombian emeralds. Modern-day admirers are setting the precious stone in a statement necklace, ring, or even a classic brooch.
The Social Stage of Edwardian Splendor
With the Edwardians, you can be sure of everything being a bit extra. While the Victorians were all about heavy drapes, dark furniture, and a touch of formality, the Edwardians were a breath of fresh, champagne-scented air.
The same held true even when it came to the social scene. The Victorian Age carried such an air of solemnity that even smiling too much could be cause enough for a scandal. On the far end of the spectrum, Edwardians sashayed into their social circles with lighthearted sophistication.
It was a lot like stepping into the fanciest, most exclusive reality show. The only twist? You’d find intricate corsets instead of cameras and tea instead of tweets!
Picture this: debutantes made their grand entrance in billowy gowns and hats so wide they could double as parasols. Let’s not forget the gentlemen who were as dapper as they came. Their clean suits were often a spectacle to behold, and their perfectly waxed mustaches? Well, the latter could cut glass. The Edwardian social scene was an opera of extravagance. Every moment was rehearsed to perfection, and every player knew their role a little too well. Staged? Nah, the Edwardians considered it to be living their best lives.
Homes Dressed as Opulently as the Occupants
Who said only the lords and ladies of the Edwardian era were known for their flair in fashion? Even the homes dressed themselves in robes of opulence, full of personality. In many of the fanciest balls, the house itself was the star of the show.
Think of velvet curtains that sway like silk gowns. Tantalizing, right? Pair them with plaster moldings that looked like fine lace spun into the walls. The sparkling chandeliers that blinged brighter than a tiara were simply the cherry on the top (both literally and figuratively).
Every nook and cranny used to be styled to perfection, as if the house itself were to make its grand debut. Picture the luxurious homes from one of the most-streamed titles in the UK, Bridgerton. In June 2024 alone, it had garnered around 63.7 million views from 10.7+ million viewers.
Well, Edwardian homes swapped the Bridgerton Regency elegance for something a bit more lavish. The former-era simplicity was covered with intricate layers of grandeur. The Edwardians did not believe in a restrained architectural style, perhaps a subtle echo of Victorian charm.
What about the tech gadgets of the day? The Edwardians only allowed the kinds that radiated brilliance. Gas lamps cast a soft glow that mimicked romantic movies, whereas telephones and pianos sat all pretty, dressed up as statement accessories.
How can we forget the showstopping gardens? They weren’t just patches of green. One could compare them to sprawling outdoor ball gowns, bursting forth with life. Edwardian gardens were ideal for slow, graceful promenades that ironically screamed, “Look at me, I’m fabulous!”
Essentially, Edwardian-era homes were the social butterflies of architecture. No wonder people were known for hosting evening balls that dripped enough intrigue to keep Lady Whistledown on her toes.
Final Thoughts
We began our stroll through the dazzling Edwardian gowns and suits. Now, it’s time to pull back the curtains and reveal the grand centerpiece: the dining table. The Edwardians loved to dine like each meal was a coronation, the crowning jewel of the social spectacle.
Every dish received a glamorous touch by the use of fine china and crystal glasses. What about the menu? It was a carefully planned parade of exotic ingredients and rich flavors rather than a list of courses.
So, here’s to living life the Edwardian way! If this era has anything to teach, it’s about the depths of opulence. It’s not just the art of showing off, but doing so with an effortless wink and smile. With opulence as your stage, how ready are you to steal the show?
That’s all ! © Glamourdaze