She’s an often forgotten designer, though still considered to be the queen of the bias cut. She dedicated her life to fashion and played a big part of its development during the 20th century. And yet, people barely know her name. Folks, this is the story of french fashion designer Madeleine Vionnet (1876 – 1975).
History of Madeleine Vionnet
Born in the latter half of the 19th century Vionnet is one of the designers who witnessed fashion’s transformation from old school to the modern fashion we know today. With years of experience from working for fashion designers, she started her own fashion house in 1912. It closed temporarily in 1914, due to WWI, but relaunched in 1923. She expanded to New York in 1925 as her success grew. However, it wasn’t until the 1930’s Vionnet made a global name, when famous Hollywood actresses such as Greta Garbo, Katharine Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich wore her creations. Vionnet closed her fashion house when the war came in 1939. She’d remain retired from the fashion world for the rest of her life.
The Bias Cut
The key behind her success was the bias cut which creates a natural flow of the fabric and flatters any body type. The use of the technique, on whole garments, was introduced in the 1920’s by Vionnet herself and remained her signature style. The cut played a big part in Vionnet’s feminine design aesthetic and fitted perfectly for the sophisticated elegance of the 1930’s. The feminine fashion, in terms of texture and style, also came across through Vionnet’s use of chiffon and silk. As we stated in our post on the 1930s gowns, the dresses remains timeless in their style. This statement is highly present for Vionnet as well, like, we would defintely work the dress above from 1938 today!
Vionnet’s legacy as of today
Vionnet’s visions continued to inspire and renew fashion in its modern context. From 1970’s icon Ossie Clark to today’s Marchesa, she left her mark on the fashion world. Combining the architecture of a garment, and sense of style to show the best of women, her aim with fashion remains present within the industry. The use of the bias cut is a well-used feature today and especially popular to do for gowns. We dare state to say that not a gala season goes by without a draped dress. And not to forget, Vinnet is also the lady who invented handkerchief dresses as well as halter tops. The only thing left to state is; a queen indeed!
Thank you for sharing this history! I didn’t know any of it actually, so I always find your posts really helpful and insightful!
Raindrops of Sapphire
That makes me so happy to hear, thank you! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Such interesting info!
She did so much for fashion! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Great post! This was so interesting to read and those dresses are gorgeous,
Julia
http://www.thevelvetrunway.com
They’re so gorgeous indeed! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
excellent post!
http://www.portiastylebook.com
Thank you so much! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Timeless indeed 🙂
MY KIND OF JOY
Yes!! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Nice post. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Great post!
Baci,
Marina
http://www.maridress.it
Thank you! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Wow! She seems like an amazing woman! It’s my first time knowing her through this post. 🙂
Angelie // Watsons Charcoal Nose Pore Strips Review
She had a lovely sense for fashion! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Happy Friday sweetie
Kisses
Maggie Dallospedale Fashion diary – Fashion blog
Same to you love! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
I remember learning about her in History of Costume
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
That’s so lovely! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
She is an amazing woman! I love how she inspired fashion icons til this day. She truly left a legacy. xx
http://www.prettyweirdbombshell.com/how-to-style-the-dashiki/
She did indeed, she did so much for fashion! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
I’m always happy to stop by and get some fashion history!! Thank you for sharing this gorgeous designer!
http://www.stylebymemory.com
Thank you so much love, that makes me so happy! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Hmmm. Interesting to know about her. Thanks for sharing.
My Small World
You’re so welcome! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Lovely dresses, such a great post darling! Thanks for sharing.
http://www.tessyonyia.com
Thank you love, the dresses are so gorgeous! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Actually never heard of Madeleine Vionnet before. Such a beautiful and elegant design! Thanks for sharing!
Ann-Marie | http://facetocurls.com
She had a lovely sense for style! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Such an informative post!! I didnt know any of that ! Thanks for sharing <3
XO
Lee | LegalLee Blonde
You’re welcome, she did so much for fashion! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
She is a queen! Love her innovations 🙂
<3 | X ALY | Aly In Wanderland | Latest: Waiting Game on Prints Dress
Same same, she’s so talented! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
These bias cut pieces are absolutely gorgeous! So feminine and pretty. It’s a shame she’s not better known
Rachel xx
http://www.thedailyluxe.net
They are indeed, so much glam in them! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
I didn’t know about Madeleine or the history of the bias cut! That last dress is gorgeous though!
~Jessica
Jeans and a Teacup
It’s so gorgeous, love the details and the fall of the dress! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Great to know more about her. Thanks for sharing! =)
– Cielo
Mermaid in Heels
She was so talented and did so much! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Interesting post! Love reading it!
Rita | http://www.styleroundtheclock.com
Thank you, that makes me so happy! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
It is true, I had never heard her name. Or the term Bias cut, to be honest.
Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking
It’s quite common, but she did so much for the fashion world! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Great post, thank you for sharing 🙂
Camille xo
http://www.cococami.blogspot.co.uk
Thank you! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
How interesting she started the love for handkerchiefs worn as halterneck tops – she’s certainly left her mark on the fashion world!
aglassofice.com
x
She did so much for fashion indeed! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Nice post!
http://carinazz.blogspot.com.ee/
Thank you! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Honestly, I had never heard of Madeleine Vionnet before. Thanks for educating me! 😉
You’re welcome, she did so much for fashion! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
very nice post!
http://www.thefashionprincess.it
Thank you! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Interesting read! Thanks for sharing xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/fashion/flaring-into-fall-zaful/
Thank you! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Oh my God, that dress on the first photo is a dream come true! Honestly, these dresses could be worn today…
Right? It’s so timeless and gorgeous, love it! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Such a great post!
http://www.sophias-fashion.de
Thank you! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Thanks for educating me 😉 I’ve never heard of her before and that’s a shame since she’s clearly an influential figure!
Mili | Sharmtoaster
You’re so welcome! She did so much for fashion! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
So adorable post sweetie.
Kisses
Maggie Dallospedale Fashion diary – Fashion blog
Thank you! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
GORGEOUS! I am such a sucker for vintage fashion and especially evening dresses… Love it! I had never heard of her, so thanks for sharing! XO – Alexandra
Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
Same here, they’re just so gorgeous and so dreamy as well! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
that is just lovely
Wendee// theglossychic.com
She was so talented! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
What a beautiful dress and her designs are so chic and used so much today!
http://www.mylittlenest.org
They are so gorgeous indeed! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Love the details of her designs!! Thanks for sharing! Xx Susanne – http://bagatyou.com
They’re so wonderful! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
These gowns are gorgeous!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
They are indeed, so lovely! X
x
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Interesting post, thx for sharing.
xox
Lenya
FashionDreams&Lifestyle
Thank you so much! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Cute post!
~Samantha
http://goldcoastgirlblog.com
Thank you! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Such a great cut and we definitely don’t hear her name much in this day and age.
Xo,
Miki
http://mikialamode.com
No and we definitely should, she was so talented! XX
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
So interesting dear!
Thanks for sharing,
Emma
http://www.emmalovesfashion.com
Thank you! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Such a pretty feminine cut. Lovely.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Indeed, love the glam! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Stunning!! So elegant!
Indeed, so much glam! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Love learning about new designers from days past, and always love seeing what they had created!
Shauna
http://www.lipglossandlace.net
That’s lovely, there have been so many good ones! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Really interesting post! Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk
Thank you so much! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com
Her legacy is so gorgeous! Fell in love with the gorgeous details. x
Have a nice week,
Andreea
http://couturezilla.com/
Right? They’re so gorgeous, love them too! Xx
https://www.thefashionfolks.com