The Edwardian era, spanning from 1900 to 1912, was marked by significant cultural shifts, advancements in technology, and the rise of unique beauty standards. While it was an age of progress, the Edwardian period was also a time of peculiar beauty rituals that shaped the way women were seen and portrayed in society. From toxic beauty practices to the influence of theater, film, and performance, the women of this era left a lasting legacy. Here’s a closer look at 15 of the most captivating women from the Edwardian period who shaped fashion, art, and society in unexpected ways.

The Edwardian Era: A Time of Beauty and Innovation

In the early 1900s, the world was witnessing a wave of technological improvements, such as the invention of electricity, the rise of automobiles, and the convenience of vacuum cleaners. But the era was also steeped in strange beauty rituals, some of which are unrecognizable by today’s standards.

One of the more unusual trends was the use of Belladonna, a toxic plant, in beauty treatments to dilate pupils and create a look of heightened allure. Women would also apply lead-based creams to achieve the desired pale, aristocratic complexion. And surprisingly, a faint odor of sweat—deemed “bouquet de corsage”—was considered a symbol of youthful attractiveness among men. Perhaps the most shocking of all was the brief fad of nipple piercings, which became a symbol of high fashion during the Edwardian years.

Despite these oddities, the Edwardian era was home to some of the most beautiful and iconic women in history, who defied convention and displayed strength, talent, and undeniable charm.

Video

Watch this video to see 15 of the most beautiful women from the 1900s Edwardian era and learn about their timeless elegance!

Lily Elsie (1886-1962)

Lily Elsie was a celebrated English actress and singer known for her stunning performances in Edwardian musical comedies. She rose to fame for her role in Franz Lehár’s operetta The Merry Widow in 1907, which became a sensation. Elsie was admired for her beauty and grace both on and off the stage, becoming one of the most photographed women of the Edwardian period. Her legacy in musical theater remains unforgettable, and she continues to be remembered for her timeless allure.

Gladys Cooper (1888-1971)

Dame Gladys Cooper was a prolific English actress whose career spanned seven decades. Her work ranged from Edwardian musical comedies to dramatic roles in silent films and on stage. Cooper also earned accolades for her performances in plays by W. Somerset Maugham and appeared regularly on Broadway. A dedicated manager of the Playhouse Theatre, she was nominated for three Academy Awards, cementing her place as one of the leading actresses of her time.

Marie Doro (1882-1956)

Marie Doro was an American actress who became one of the stars of the silent film era. Beginning as a chorus girl, she soon made her way to Broadway, where her career blossomed under the mentorship of Charles Frohman and William Gillette. Doro was known for her intelligence, wit, and grace, often being cast in light, feminine roles. Despite this, she was far more than just a pretty face—her cultivated demeanor made her a respected figure in the theater and film world.

Minnie Brown (1883-?)

Minnie Brown was an actress who performed across Europe, Russia, and the Far East between 1902 and 1918. She was part of an influential group of African-American women performers based in Russia, including figures like Ollie Burgoyne and Georgette Harvey. Brown’s work transcended borders and her performances left a lasting impact on audiences around the world.

Maude Fealy (1883-1971)

Maude Fealy was an American actress known for her contributions to both stage and silent film. She began performing at the age of three, and by 1900, she was making waves on Broadway. Fealy toured internationally with some of the leading productions of the time, including Sherlock Holmes with William Gillette. She later transitioned into film and became a prominent figure in early cinema.

Aida Overton Walker (1880-1914)

Aida Overton Walker, affectionately known as “The Queen of the Cakewalk,” was an African-American vaudeville performer who broke barriers in the entertainment industry. A talented dancer, choreographer, and singer, Walker’s collaborations with her husband George Walker and Bert Williams set the stage for African-American performers in vaudeville. She helped shape the cultural landscape of the time and influenced future generations of entertainers.

Ethel Warwick (1882-1951)

Ethel Warwick, a British actress, became well-known for her roles in both theater and film. Before embarking on her acting career, Warwick worked as a nude model for renowned artists, including James McNeil Whistler. She later transitioned into acting, appearing in films such as The Bigamist and The Magistrate. Warwick’s diverse career made her an iconic figure in early 20th-century British cinema.

Evelyn Nesbit (1884-1967)

Evelyn Nesbit was a celebrated American chorus girl and model who rose to fame for her beauty. In the early 20th century, her face graced advertisements, calendars, and souvenirs, making her a cultural icon. Nesbit’s career began as a model for some of the most prominent artists of the time, and she was immortalized as the “Gibson Girl” in the famous illustrations by Charles Dana Gibson.

Ethel Clayton (1882-1966)

Ethel Clayton was an American actress who became known for her roles in silent films. A striking brunette with an elegant demeanor, she was often compared to the famous Gibson Girl illustrations. Clayton also appeared in various stage productions, where her musical talents were occasionally showcased. Her impressive film career included more than 180 credits, cementing her place as one of the leading actresses of the silent film era.

Julia James (1890-1964)

Julia James began her acting career at the Aldwych Theatre in London before becoming a prominent figure in various productions, including The Girls of Gottenburg and Our Miss Gibbs. She made a name for herself in both British and French theater, proving her versatility and dedication to her craft. James was also known for her captivating stage presence, which made her a favorite among theatergoers.

Geneviève Lantelme (1882-1911)

Geneviève Lantelme was a French actress and socialite who captivated the public with her beauty. Known for her stylish presence during the Belle Époque, she became a fashion icon of the time. Tragically, her life was cut short when she mysteriously fell from her husband’s yacht in 1911, leaving behind a legacy of mystery and elegance.

Billie Burke (1884-1970)

Billie Burke was an American actress best known for her role as Glinda, the Good Witch, in The Wizard of Oz. Burke’s career spanned across Broadway, silent films, and talkies. She was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1938 and appeared in a variety of films throughout the 1930s. Her charming voice and distinctive style made her a beloved figure in Hollywood.

Camille Clifford (1885-1971)

Camille Clifford was the epitome of the “Gibson Girl” look. With her towering hairstyle and hourglass figure, she became the model for the iconic illustrations that defined Edwardian fashion. Clifford’s elegant style and beauty were immortalized in photographs, and her image continues to represent the timeless elegance of the Edwardian era.

Ethel Barrymore (1879-1959)

Ethel Barrymore was an American actress known for her distinctive voice and strong presence on stage. As a member of the Barrymore acting family, she became the “first lady” of American theater. Barrymore was celebrated for her roles on Broadway, and her career continued to flourish in the early days of Hollywood, where she starred in several memorable films.

Annette Marie Sarah Kellerman (1886-1975)

Annette Kellerman was an Australian swimmer, vaudeville performer, and actress who became famous for her groundbreaking swimwear designs. Kellerman was one of the first women to wear a one-piece swimsuit, challenging societal norms and helping to popularize synchronized swimming. She also appeared in a number of films, and her bold approach to fashion and sport left an indelible mark on the world.

Conclusion

The women of the Edwardian era were not only defined by their beauty but also by their strength, creativity, and pioneering spirit. They navigated a world that demanded conformity, yet they each carved out a place for themselves in history. From the stage to the screen, these remarkable women continue to inspire and captivate us, leaving a legacy of elegance and resilience that transcends time.