The Belle Epoque, “Beautiful Era” during the turn of the century was a time of relative peace, prosperity and scientific innovation, where especially in Paris, the arts flourished. In such an optimistic climate, a revolutionary fashion designer emerged. Although her name is largely forgotten today, Jeanne Margaine-Lacroix was the first to create women’s garments free of stiff, confining corsets and bulky undergarments. Her figure-revealing gowns caused quite the sensation in 1908, shocking Parisians at the time. Overnight, a new slender silhouette showing off the shape of the real body beneath the dress emerged as the new body ideal. This new modern silhouette, referred to at the time as “La Ligne” or “the line” became sought after by fashionable women everywhere, and the 20th century fashion aesthetic was launched. Although Margaine-Lacroix’s name is largely forgotten today, one cannot underestimate her contribution to women beyond the world of fashion. She had the courage to see beyond the restrictions of her time and culture, to boldly put her ideas forth amidst the disdain and ridicule of her contemporaries. This designer has literally and metaphorically freed women to continue to evolve and grow, breaking new ground for generations to come in the most breath taking, or shall I say, breath permitting way! -Sophia D