.. SPECIFIC things that made fashion in the world years 1740-1914 that we depict were:  Politics…  who was in control in certain places & who was setting trends.  We have discussed at length the many royals from Europe.  What we have yet to discuss are things like leaders of women’s …

…in a given place and time, which in turn shaped the lives of women, who would then shape the world they were living in, which would direct – fashion. (Images: A steamship (left) that hit an iceberg in 1912 was also known for the “Titanic Fashion Era” because of the …

.. from 1740 to 1914 was a  communications and transportation boom – steamships and railroads allowing immigration by choice of people worldwide. The transcontinental railroad in the United States opened whole new worlds to the west and beyond, while trams, trolleys, and subways would take women to work in the …

…Industrial transformation – affecting export and trade including mass production and a new distribution of wealth in most countries of the world. The ability to obtain and afford clothing changed everything from whether clothing was cared for, to how much lace could go on a blousewaist. (Photo:  Heinz Ketchup factory …

… Global Population growth – changing and improving health standards and technologies.  More people from all walks of life meant more supply and more demand. Inventions like “bluings” for washing, and later washing machines meant different fabrics could be worn in different ways.  The need to put things on and …

.. the Rise of new colonial empires – bringing war and war technologies.  When you research any person or event anywhere in the world during the 175 years we study, there is always some country trying to take over some other country. With France and England through much of this …

… is Democratic revolution – the reshaping of ideas about government and political power.  Top events in the time periods (1740-1914) we are discussing include the “Atlantic Rim” shaping of Afroeurasia and the Americas with issues such as slavery, representative government, suffrage, and national self-determination.

…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.