.. a large metal contraption suitable to the heavy fabrics and huge silhouette of the mid to late 1880’s. Lillie’s, however, differing from everything else out there, was “reticulating” – meaning it could fold up.
When a woman sat down, her bustle folded into itself, pushing the fabric up and against her body, so she had freedom of movement both standing and sitting.
(Sketches: the Langtry reticulating bustle design)