.. like balls – small and large scale for entertainment for royals and elites. Her dictates on clothing were EXACT. (Sketch: The Devonshire Ballroom in London in 1840 – from the local newspaper introducing its debut)
Category: Fashion History Blog
Places like Almack’s and White’s in London…
… were highly valued organizations that nobles and elites of London aimed to access. Exclusive “clubs” by invitation only, the London “Seasons” were designed to meet and greet those of similar class status. For men at least, places like White’s were for socializing with entertainment and leisure away from the …
As a result of British society changing, Class structure…
…dictated the rules of fashion. Each activity had appropriate apparel for those who could afford it. Those who couldn’t emulated the wealthy with simpler, less structured, and less costly versions of the elite. There was a HUGE industry of clothing resale with peddler carts in special districts for clothing for …
Buffalo Gals performing in May!
This wonderful and crazy bunch of people minus the men has two shows scheduled for May – one for the public. We’ll be performing June to September for the public alongside the men. Check for more info as we rope and tie the details.
The train in Victoria’s early reign took British to the cities…
Many people previously rural became urbanized because they could take the train to town. Country families moved into crowded conditions in towns and cities to stay with relatives while they looked for work. Due to the huge population boom, many lived in poverty without water, sanitation, and sometimes food. (Photo: …
Victorian prosperity meant…
….Country became Urban. English elite prospered in the reign of Victoria due to development of new machinery, improved work methods, and an underpaid workforce that consisted of adults and children who lived in poverty. (Photo: 1840 working class on a typical London business district street)
England’s world status defined world fashion…
.. Remember the 6 Key Concepts from last month that affect fashion? Technological developments, industry, and so economic status directly affected what women wore at any given time. In England, a big part of that was class status as it changed. In America of the 1840’s, because women were still …
When Queen Victoria of England married Albert of Saxe-Coburg…
.. in about 1840 , “Victorian” dictates took definite shape. It was defined by Victoria’s “prudish” attitude and strict rules for moral behavior that lasted until about 1890 when Prince Edward the Prince of Wales and his high spirited “Edwardians” took over societal conduct even though she was still …
Victorian, but still Regency…
When Victoria became Queen of England in 1837, she was 18 years old. In 1837, it was still the Regency Era – defining fashion and attitudes – coming off the former King Georges and influences of the French under Napoleon Bonaparte. Regency’s “little white dress” had evolved into elaborate Rococco …
Royals many countries were tied to Queen Victoria of England..
… Victoria, Duchess of Kent was one of the 5 key fashion influences of all times. She began life as royalty, lived as royalty, and ended as royalty; leaving royal heirs in nearly every European country. (Portrait: as early as age 4, the future Queen Victoria was a fashion mogul) …