The beginning of the 20th century was a confining time for many women, as short corsets with names like Adjusto and Reduso were employed to squeeze the female form—as seen from the side, anyway—into the shape of the letter S. The favored Gibson Girl look was very top-heavy, with big hair and hats up top, a padded bust above a narrow waist, and plenty of junk in the trunk. Not all designers were so cruel. Paul Poiret created hobble skirts...Continue Reading