1. The most famous fancy dress party of the 1910s was held in Paris by the legendary designer Paul Poiret of the night June 24, 1911. Called “The Thousand and Second Night” and themed on One Thousand and One Nights, costumes were not only encouraged, but required. If guest arrived un-costumed, or Poiret determined their costumes did not fully support the party’s theme, they could choose to don a costume designed by Poiret or were asked to leave. Most of the women’s costumes Poiret designed for the event, including the one pictured, featured scandalous harem pants, something that would influence mainstream fashion to introduce the hobble skirt soon afterward.

    The most famous fancy dress party of the 1910s was held in Paris by the legendary designer Paul Poiret of the night June 24, 1911. Called “The Thousand and Second Night” and themed on One Thousand and One Nights, costumes were not only encouraged, but required. If guest arrived un-costumed, or Poiret determined their costumes did not fully support the party’s theme, they could choose to don a costume designed by Poiret or were asked to leave.

    Most of the women’s costumes Poiret designed for the event, including the one pictured, featured scandalous harem pants, something that would influence mainstream fashion to introduce the hobble skirt soon afterward.

  2. A lovely, airy linen dress by the incomparable Paul Poiret, 1912.

    A lovely, airy linen dress by the incomparable Paul Poiret, 1912.

  3. Turbans or headbands with tall feather plumes called aigrettes were a must for evening wear in the early 1910s. This one was designed in 1911 by the incomparable Paul Poiret.

    Turbans or headbands with tall feather plumes called aigrettes were a must for evening wear in the early 1910s.

    This one was designed in 1911 by the incomparable Paul Poiret.