…was a BIG fashion statement, initiated by Parisian designers, but advertised by women like Lillie to women of the world.
By the early 1880’s, when Lillie was on her climb to fame, the softly curved bustles of the 1870’s had been quickly replaced by a new silhouette. This “large bustle era” had a severely tailored front and draperies in the back.
Trains had disappeared, and a bustle with a well fitted skirt with gores made a straight line in front, hugging the hips, and then had huge fullness in the back made by gathers or pleats.
(Photo: Lillie Langtry and the early 1880’s silhouette)