A flashback to one of the most beautiful and optimistic times in the history of Paris, which lasted from 1871 until the beginning of the First World War in 1914.
The Metro: The first underground railway line opened in 1900 on the occasion of the Paris International Exhibition. Every 10 minutes three carriages at a speed of 36 km / h connected 8 stops. The entrance of each station was in Art Nouveau style.
Art Nouveau: The representation of bodies and objects is done in soft lines using unusual materials such as reinforced concrete, glass, and cast iron. Art Nouveau characterizes every aspect of the Belle Époque from architecture and urban planning to the clothing and furniture of the time.
Women’s Fashion: Some of the most important fashion houses were founded during this period. Paul Poiret, in 1906, sewed the first “loose” women’s dress which would later become a symbol of female emancipation. At the same time, in 1911 Coco Chanel became famous by releasing the bonnet hat.
The Wallace Fountains: In 1872 Sir Wallace donated to the city 77 public fountains, 2.5 meters high, which he had designed. These fountains were placed in busy places in Paris in order to cool the thirsty passengers. Later on, however, their spouts were removed for hygiene reasons. Meanwhile, today there are 66 fountains scattered in the city.
The Beginning of Cinema: On December 28, 1895, in the darkroom of the Grand Café on Capuchin Avenue, a screen projected a huge train that blew steam. It was so believable that the spectators were shocked and enchanted. Thus the Lumière brothers’ invention, the cinema, became world-famous.
Source: “Great Cities Through the Ages: Paris” by Renzo Rossi
Cover’s art: “Le bar de Maxim’s” Pierre-Victor Galland