SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Spring means fashion, and fashion means hoop skirts and chiffon dresses.
Or at least it did in the 1890s.
Few people know fashion like ABC4’s Craig Wirth — who takes us back on a fashion show through time.
A faded ad in an 1890s Salt Lake newspaper reads, “Spring announcement! See our latest ventures of fashion! The grandest line of spring overcoats, the most beautifully designed patterns of suits, the newest cut and shapes of trousers, elegant collection of fancy vests, fine display of livery coats…”
In 1916, Salt Lake’s old Walker Store had window displays, live models, and even an orchestra every afternoon.
“Our window displays and store decorations worth coming miles to see,” their ad reads. “Living models will correctly interpret styles daily. Music by the famous Brox Orchestra every afternoon.”
Additionally, downtown Salt Lake City stores used to have spring fashion shows — which were huge for 1916! Panniers, hoops, and even bustles were all the rage.
One article titled “Feminine Fads for Fashion’s Fancies” reads, “The Salt Lake stores are already preparing for the opening of the Spring Fashion show, which takes place Monday. The managers of clothes shops will have special window displays demonstrating the feminine attires for spring wear.”
By the 1930s, you had to have the Flash Gordon helmet. It was not until the 1950s that fashion became more modern, but for a price.
A full coat was $3 and a whole outfit was $11. In some places, $3 could even get you two dresses!
