The Gibson Girl

The Gibson Girl was a pen-and-ink drawing created by Charles Dana Gibson in the late 1890's. She was every woman's ideal and every man's dream. Charles Gibson was quoted as describing her as "the American girl to all the world."

"Susan E. Meyer described the Gibson Girl attributes in her book, America's Great Illustrators:

'She was taller than the other women currently seen in the pages of magazines... infinitely more spirited and independent, yet altogether feminine. She appeared in a stiff shirtwaist, her soft hair piled into a chignon, topped by a big plumed hat. Her flowing skirt was hiked up in the back with just a hint of a bustle. She was poised and patrician. Though always well bred, there often lurked a flash of mischief in her eyes. She would smile, but was never seen laughing; further adding to her enchanting persona of self-assurance"(Biz-Sites Inc.)

Her hourglass figure, corset and upswept hair with flowing curls became the fashion necessity of the early 1900s. The Gibson Girl created the perfect woman combining traditional female beauty with the "spunk and wit of American youth", according to wisegeek.com. They further state she was "fashion, beauty and social success." Pbs.org makes reference to the "aristocratic air" that was obvious by the Gibson Girl's dress and persona. She was the "spirit of the early 20th century".