The Gibson Girl was the creation of American artist Charles Dana Gibson. He got his start with Time - Life books in the 1890's. By the 1920's he became the editor of the magazine.
His pen and ink drawings of these lovely maidens graced everything from magazine covers, such as Collier's & Harper's, to numerous household items.
Evelyn Nesbitt was the first Gibson Girl model. Posing for the piece entitled, The Eternal Question.
The Gibson Girl represented the American beauty in the late 1800's and flourished right to WW1. She reached her peak in 1900. She was not only poised, elegant and feminine but at the same time spirited and independent.
She appeared business like in her starched shirtwaist and collar. Yet she was lovely as well in her long skirt with flowing hair piled high on top of her head. A boater hat often perched on her head, wearing a bolero style short jacket over a lace shirtwaist, and a bell shaped skirt. She was the epitome of feminine beauty.
She was the ideal that nearly every woman of the era tried to emulate, and every gentleman hoped to marry.The Gibson Girl was the first international super fashion model. Before Charles Dana Gibson's portrayal, the American woman was rather vague.Charles found his true Gibson Girl beauty in Virginia born Irene Langhorne. They married in 1895. Sister Nancy Astor became the first woman to sit in Parliament.The Gibson Girl was illustrated in many walks of life. First as society beauty, sweet demure housewife, and then independent working woman.Amazingly his drawings helped shape the future of the American woman's freedom. On a bicycle, playing sports, portrayed in daring bathing suits and ultimately behind the wheel of an automobile.Could Charles and Irene Gibson have ever imagined the impact they would have on the future of women?The work of Charles Dana Gibson was and is still loved by many who appreciate the beauty of the Victorian era.
My Gibson Girl Ancestors circa 1899
Hi Victoriana Lady, I would like to see some ways to wear our hair in the Victorian styles. My hair is nearly as long as yours, I have been growing it for 10yrs. now. I can not seem to get the Gibson hair style to wear under my Victorian hats and was wondering it there is some technique to it. I am sure they used hair pieces, but not sure how to secure them.
Thanks, Janet
Dear Janet, I've found the easiest way to get all my hair up Gibson Girl style is this technique. I bend at the waist, while my hair is hanging down I grab it as if to make a pony tail and start twisting in one direction. I stand up while holding the twisted hair.
Next wind it in a circle on top of your head to make a bun. You will need to use a lot of hair pins or bobby pins, depending how thick your hair is, and hairspray too. Practice this technique until it looks right. Once you get a good solid bun in place you can anchor your hat by pushing the hat pin through the bun. The more you practice the easier it will go up.
