Modes of the Moment (1917)

"Modes of the Moment" is a 1917 silent film sponsored by the Walk-Over Company, showcasing early 20th-century "footery fashions" in a runway show format. Recorded in black and white, the film presents an array of footwear and accompanying attire, highlighting the high-couture accessible to the upper echelons of society at the time. Reviewers praise the film for its historical value, noting the realism and appeal of the model, who contrasts with today's thinner beauty standards. Despite the technical limitations of early filmmaking that give the model's walk a stiff appearance, the film effectively captures the rich textiles and elaborate styles of the era, providing a fascinating glimpse into the fashion norms and social expectations of early 20th-century America.

We digitized and uploaded this film on behalf of the Prelinger Archives. Email us at footage@avgeeks.com if you have questions about the footage and are interested in using it in your project.