…by historians the “Era of Modern Revolution”.  These approximate 175 years are when people and events “snowballed” into the next thing, causing continual changes around the globe. There are 6 key factors that affected American women at this time.  Influences on fashion have basis in at least 1 of these: …

A Silhouette is the changing and recognizable shape of fashion. Silhouettes covers 175 years and builds authentic costumes “From the Bum Up” for women depicting American characters years 1740-1914.  It includes Georgian/Colonial, Regency (3 eras), Victorian crinoline, bustle, no bustle, bustle 2, late Victorian, Edwardian with subcategories  into the Titanic …

… to Silhouette’s “Buffalo Gals” Historic Fashion Show!  There’s limited room, and it is not open to the public, but we invite our readers from the Cody, Wyoming region to come and see our work up close and personal.

… Charles Worth, top designer through Victorian and Edwardian eras (late 1800’s and early 1900), claims to have invented the large paniers and short shepherdess look. We know better, as proven by the 1776 real garments on the left, and the 1850’s Worth sketch on the right.

… the world had changed, communications had changed, political boundaries had changed, and so loyalties had changed.  In America in particular, there was an explosion of ideas and technology and so fashion.  Countries worldwide were influenced by – countries worldwide – and not people of fashion specifically. Notable designers like …

.. crossed over into the Edwardian era.  His Parisian House of Worth was “La Belle Epoque”, and embraced the corsets and lines of the Edwardians as well as Edward himself.  Edward’s wife and most royals of the world wore Worths. (Left:  Charles Worth gown 1882 Victorian; Right: 1901 Edwardian)

… competed with the influence of French fashion designers.  Charles Worth of Paris was actually from England, but made a name and had extreme input to Victoria’s style.  He invented the term “costume”, meaning “the right thing for every event”, and he introduced crinolines and hoops. His costumes for balls …

… Empress Josephine of France.  Caroline was Napoleon I’s little sister, who fell in love with one of her brothers offices.  In exchange for Napoleon’s permission to marry a man without helpful political liasons, Napoleon set her up and moved them far away. Caroline did not get along with Josephine …

… Madame Pompadour! (“Little Fish”)  Advisor and mistress to the King of France (and MANY others who kept her well fed), she was known for extremes and excesses – at her patron’s expense of course.  She was known for 36″ high hair complete with miniature scaled ships (look for the …

… Alexandria of Russia.  She was THE favorite in America during the Edwardian era because they were buddies with the US president at the time.  She carried “La Belle Epoque” (French Parisian High Fashion) into the “Titanic” eras – along with famous Parisian designers introduced the Princess Line.. the hobble …