… although Parisian designers claimed it was entirely original. Even the bustle was not original, as 18th century women had worn stuffed rumps and metal wired paniers and bustle like structures very much like those of 1873.
The major difference was fabric type, synthetic dyes, the sewing machine, and mass production; not to forget mass distribution of goods like trims and information like how to build it. The 1870’s had the advantage, and unique features they couldn’t have done in the 18th century… like tightly cinching corsets.
(Fashion plates 1773 vs 1873. Even the colors and textures are the same!)