141 Days Celebrating Global Culture and Industry All eyes were on Queen Victoria and Prince Albert as the Great Exhibition celebrating international culture and industry opened on May 1, 1851. Until then, similar exhibitions took place on a smaller, national level. Upon return from an exhibition in Paris, Henry Cole brought the idea of an [...]
A Great Glass House for the Great Exhibition Oh, to be alive during the mid-1800s. What an exciting time it must have been! The Industrial Revolution was opening up borders and England was the host of what could be considered the first World's Fair. The Great Exhibition of 1851 showcased cultures and industry from around [...]
Historical reenactment societies provide an incredible window into how men and women lived in historical times. These societies often focus on war reenactment, providing members (and sometimes the public) a glimpse into what life was like during the conflicts that shaped history. Without historical reenactment societies, we wouldn’t get a visceral sense of the scope [...]
Popular Fixture in the English Social Calendar It's no accident that Ascot racecourse is located near Windsor Castle. A flat expanse of heathland near the castle in the town of Ascot was suggested by Queen Anne after coming upon it one day while out for a ride. The first race took place on August 11, [...]
1870 was the year of the train, and it was not the one that runs on tracks. Ball gowns sported long beautiful trains and within three years only walking dresses remained floor-length. The soft bustle was also riding high in 1870. While there was some fullness at the front of the skirt, most of it was [...]
Skirt Hems Widen through Creative Use of Petticoats As the Romantic era in fashion came to a close in the 1830s and evolved into what we consider Victorian era, emphasis returned to the natural waistline. Corsets were back in fashion and the ankle-length skirt took on a bell shape, becoming so full that numerous petticoats [...]
by Donna Klein Bodice defines the Waistline 1870s to 1890s At the beginning of the 1870s, most bodices extended to the natural waistline. A tunic (overskirt) was often fitted over the bodice using a belt featuring a large bow in the back. It was during this time that a detachable basque, or very [...]
by Donna Klein Defining the Waistline 1830s to 1860s The transition to what we consider Victorian era fashion occurred during the 1830s with lowering of the waistline from under the breasts to its natural position. It was during this decade that necklines widened and the bodice evolved into the V-shape we associate with [...]
by Donna Klein Modesty and Menswear Although the romanticism of the Regency period was still evident in fashion at the beginning of her reign, Queen Victoria soon imprinted her attitude on the culture of the era that would bear her name. The rule of the day was modesty and propriety, and fashion took [...]