The Crinoline Period
Okay you are going to help me study for my History of Fashion final exam. It’s been a very good semester in this class. I have learned a lot and it’s very interesting.
[Eats a handful of Doritos and gets distracted by Facebook]
Please excuse me, I have trouble paying attention.
FOCUS, LAUREN. [deep breath]
Alright anyways… so my exam is on The Crinoline Period through the 90′s. Don’t worry, I’ll explain it.
[and just so you know, it's 2:29 right now and my final is at 6]
Let’s start off with The Crinoline Period.
Here are some facts so you get an idea of what we’re talking about here.
1. 1840-1865
2. Queen Victoria- r. 1837-1901; Florence Nightingale- 1820-1910
3. Writers/Books- Charles Dickens, Edgar Allen Poe, Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, Alice in Wonderland.
4. Abe Lincoln was assassinated.
5. Civil War- 1861-1865
Okay, so now that you have an idea when The Crinoline Period was… let’s talk fashion baby.
The name “Crinoline” came from the invention of the “Crinoline cage” which is the hoop skirt. Before the hoop skirt, women would have to layer their petticoats in order to get fullness in their skirts. That was too heavy and often made the dresses drag in the dirt more. The invention of the hoop skirt made it much easy, hence “The Crinoline Period.” Women were all about the 18″ waist (I know… I secretly hate them too.) I think of Charlotte O’Hare; small waist, neck line off the shoulders, hoop skirt, petticoats, corset. Basic colors for everyone was black, men wore browns and greys and women wore jeweled toned clothing. Women often wore their hair in sausage curls, where men wore their hair short with long sideburns, with or without a mustache or beard. Womens under drawers were made of cotton, split down the center, trimmed in lace. Over the underwear they placed a chemise, corset placed over, then corset cover or camisole. Dresses were usually two piece, had a full gathered or pleated skirt and a dropped shoulder line.
