Between 1880 and 1940, the industrial revolution promoted the development of the consumer society. As a result, social conventions grew more relaxed and a movement supporting the emancipation of women grew. During this period, the female silhouette was re-shaped numerous times, since fashion progressively abandoned the corset, petticoat and the hoop, replacing them with lighter clothing that could be produced industrially. Through life-sized, paper reproductions of clothing and accessories as well as engravings, photographs, magazines and drawings taken from BAnQ’s archives and special collections, this exhibit illustrates the evolution of women’s fashion in Québec.
