.. paintings vs. how the Victorian counter-fashion movement the “Aesthetes” interpreted them. The Aesthetes, like the Pre-Raphaelite painter J.W. Waterhouse, looked for sensuous beauty, organic forms, flowing movement, mythological and ancient themes, and rich colors and textures with amazing fabrics and highly crafted trims and details.
The Aesthetic gowns of the Victorian era were deceptively complex in their draping and ornament so as to be beautiful and comfortable.
(Left: Aesthetic day dress vs. JW Waterhouse painting right)