THE REVOLUTION IN VICTORIAN FASHION (2024)

FAQs

What was the revolution in the Victorian era? ›

The Industrial Revolution in Victorian England

The middle class was essentially nonexistent, but the Industrial Revolution meant that the balance of power shifted from the aristocracy, whose position and wealth was based on land, to the newly rich business leaders.

The Evolution of Victorian Women's Fashion. During the 1830s, wealthy women sought to achieve the coveted hourglass figure with a long, slim torso and voluptuous hips. This was achieved through tightly fitted corsets, layers of petticoats made of coarse hair and modest bonnets.

The Victorian Era saw fashion chance, sometimes dramatically, every decade. From wide, bell-shaped skirts over the crinoline to figure hugging styles in the 1870s, there is a lot of variety comprised within the generalising name 'Victorian Era'.

During the early Victorian decades, voluminous skirts held up with crinolines, and then hoop skirts, were the focal point of the silhouette. To enhance the style without distracting from it, hats were modest in size and design, straw and fabric bonnets being the popular choice.

Victoria served as figurehead for the nation. The period saw the British Empire grow to become the first global industrial power, producing much of the world's coal, iron, steel and textiles. The Victorian era saw revolutionary breakthroughs in the arts and sciences, which shaped the world as we know it today.

Americans adopted the language of universal liberty, equality and natural rights to provide an intellectual basis for their resistance to British authority.

The age of the Victorian design style began with the end of the Industrial Revolution and lasted roughly during the aforementioned time period. The era was heavily influenced by the effects of the Industrial Revolution and increasing globalization, as well as the Neo-Gothic and Rococo styles.

Colour for all, democratising Victorian fashion

Following mauveine's introduction in 1858, purple became a wildly popular fashion trend. Women ordered dresses, parasols, handbags – even stockings and corsets in the colour du jour.

Women wore tight corsets and skirts, the style of which evolved throughout the period. The necklines of the early Victorian period were modest, often high, and accompanied by collars or fichus. Early fashion styles gave way to softer, more feminine styles.

Who inspired Victorian fashion? ›

Fashion during the Victorian Era was eccentric, ornamented, and elaborate. Queen Victoria's influence began in the 1830's and continued through the early 1900's. The women of the Bringhurst family were certainly impacted by this and tailored their dress to the most elaborate fashions of the time.

Though it remained part of a person's wardrobe for many years prior, the Victorian era likely holds the most fame because Queen Victoria wore mourning dress for forty years after the loss of her husband, Prince Albert. To the Victorians, black dress could symbolize mourning.

Women's fashion in the Victorian era was known for its big skirts, tight corsets, and bonnets. Women in this time period wore many layers of dresses, blouses, skirts, coats, and they were prohibited to show as little as an ankle. Under these dresses the women wore corsets that limited their movement throughout the day.

Throughout history, dress is almost always an indicator of status and riches, and the Victorians were no less. Many took pride in their dress, shown through the strict divisions even between servants. Clothing was key to identifying you and often told pretty much everything about the wearer and their occupation.

In dresses of the Victorian era, reds can frequently be seen coupled with black. However, Audsley warns that crimson and black or brown—though technically harmonious—make a rather dull combination. Late 1870s Red Silk Ball Gown. Red and gold was another popular color combination during the Victorian era.

The Revolutionary War (1775-1783) arose from growing tensions between residents of Great Britain's 13 North American colonies and the colonial government. The American colonists, led by General George Washington, won political independence and eventually formed the United States of America.

The American Revolution was principally caused by colonial opposition to British attempts to impose greater control over the colonies and to make them repay the crown for its defense of them during the French and Indian War (1754–63).

The Revolutions of 1848 were a series of European nationalist revolutions taking place in numerous countries. In these revolutions, the masses rose up against their monarchs and demanded political liberalization. In France, the revolution led to the creation of the Second French Republic under Louis Napoleon.

The American Revolution was an epic political and military struggle waged between 1765 and 1783 when 13 of Britain's North American colonies rejected its imperial rule. The protest began in opposition to taxes levied without colonial representation by the British monarchy and Parliament.