Looking at this picture, it is easy to see why women were so happy to abandon corsets after the First World War. The woman in the dark dress, Mrs. Francis M. Gibson, appears to be stuffed into her dress. She is wearing an “S curve” foundation piece, which thrust the bust forward and guaranteed a small waist. On larger breasted women they created a shelf-like chest.
According to my quick internet research, Katherine Gibson was born in 1853, which makes her about 58 in this photo. Although she is dressed in conservative dark colors, then considered appropriate for a woman of her age, her accessories are quite elaborate. Look at her transparent dark gloves, waistline corsage, and ropes of beads. Although her hat is impressive, it cannot compete with the elaborate turban on Mrs. F. D. Grant—so huge that several genies could take refuge inside!
