As early Victorian merged into Mid Victorian fashion (1855-68)…

… everything became bigger, bolder, and more colorful.  It was the world of “Gone with the Wind” and notable 12′ diameter skirts with layers and layers.. until the introduction of the crinoline to the fashion world by Eugenie of France – who was a buddy of Queen Victoria, and thus the idea of the REALLY BIG skirt would fly worldwide.

1855-1868