Learning about Victorian Fashion

Source: Victoriana Magazine

In order to truly envision the fashions of the past, we need to examine period photographs.

Leafing through a 19th century ladies’ magazine, you will find an abundance of black and white engravings depicting period fashions; this is how a Victorian lady was kept up to date on current styles and accessories. Conversely, today’s digital marketing has dramatically redesigned how we visualize the latest fashions through glossy magazines, lively video presentations, and interactive online catalogs, making these quaint sketches appear as primitive as caveman drawings. In order to truly envision the modes of the past, we need to study antique garments from museums or private collections. Another way is to examine period photographs.

1862 Blouse

For example, presented above is a “Muslin Body with Puffed Yoke” originally published in an 1862 issue of Peterson’s Magazine. This Civil War era blouse has a drop shoulder, fine pintucks, and bands of puffs.

1860s Blouse

This 1860s sheer white cotton blouse features similar gathers, puffs and trimmings of the Peterson’s design.

1860s Clothing

Nevertheless, the Peterson’s Magazine illustration pales in comparison with this period photograph featuring a young woman sitting pretty for the photographer in a similar garment. Her blouse or bodice is of pure white muslin with puffs divided by bands of embroidered insertion and a narrow frill at the neckline. By putting both period magazines and photographs side by side we can truly envision the fashions of the Victorian era.

20 Fabulous Vintage Style Bathing Suits

Courtesy of Victoriana Magazine

End of the summer look at various vintage style bathing suits.

Want to know more about the vicious Red Caps?

Red Caps make a showing in The Gilding and play an even larger role in The Outsider. They are vicious creatures, believed to be evil goblins or sprites. They normally live in the borderlands between England and Scotland, but have built a flourishing kingdom next to Carlow. Continue reading Want to know more about the vicious Red Caps?