Every so often, I will be asked by a museum or living history group to give a brief, but encompassing talk on fashion from the 19th century.  That is a rather tall order to talk about a hundred years of fashion….as there is just SO MUCH to talk about.  However, for those who really have no idea about the fashion of the 1800’s, this is such a great way to start.  A person can see the subtle, and not so subtle changes, of fashion which came about through political, social, and mechanical changes/inventions.

I decided to record myself giving this roughly 45 minute talk, but broke them up into smaller videos.  That way a person can watch and rewatch any section they want based on personal interest.

The videos will be divided up into the following decades:

Video 1  Regency (1800-1820) and Romatic Era (1820-1840ish)

Video 2  Early Victorian (1840-1855)

Video 3*  Victorian – Age of the Crinoline (1855-1869)

Video 4*  Victorian – The First Bustle (1870-1879)

Video 5*  Victorian – The Second Bustle (1880-1888) and The Edwardian Era (1889-1900)

*Videos coming out in future posts.

To start off, we will begin with the Regency Era.  While this era is rather short, politically speaking, it is probably one of the most recognizable styles due to the enduring popularity of Jane Austen novels.  But how many of you know about the Romantic style???  Watch to find out!

Following the extreme sillouhette of the Romantic Era, the crowning of Queen Victoria will see a change in women’s perceived social role and fashion.  Watch to learn more about the years 1840-1855.

Find a specific decade that caught your eye?  Let me know in the comments below!  

Stay tuned for the second half of the century coming out soon!