1. How does gender impact fashion during these periods?
The fashion of the Industrial Age reflects both the traditional roles of men and women in society as well as the revolutionary changes, which affected not only political and economical situation, but also had a great impact on the social life. While bustles, corsets and crinolines prevailed at certain periods of the Industrial Age, limiting the movements and creating unnatural forms, women strived for equality not only in social life, but also in fashion. Already in 1850s Amelia Bloomers promoted the use of full-legged pants (“bloomers”) and refused to wear corsets and hoops. At the turn of the century the so called “Gibson Girls” became more educated, independent and socially active. They engaged in sports and demanded more freedom in their clothing. Thus, some elements, such as a shirtwaist, bowties and “bloomers” were adopted from men’s fashion. It was a vivid sign of the emancipation movement and of the change in the societal perception of the traditional role of women.
2. If you had been a woman during the Victorian era would you have envied the freedom of men's clothing?
Although men’s clothing during Victorian era was much freer than the one of women, it was hardly the reason for envy. Unlike men, women could give freedom to their fantasy, creating dresses of different styles, colors and with various ornaments. On the other hand, men’s suits were often so similar, that growing facial hair was the only way to look different for most of the men.
3. If you had been a man would you have envied the beauty, elegance, and style of women's clothing?
Of course the beauty and elegancy of women’s clothing during Victorian era are worth admiration. The variety of colors and ornaments used for dresses could not be even compared with the simplicity and similarity of men’s suits. However, just imagining the pain, caused by corsets or the discomfort of wearing a bustle definitely decreases the desire to envy the women, who lived during that time.
4. Of all the inventions and innovations of the later part of the Nineteenth century and early Twentieth century that were discussed in the lectures, which was the most interesting to you and why?
Although the invention of photography and sewing machine definitely had more impact on the fashion industry, I find the introduction of the first mail-order catalogue an important milestone in the history of retail and fashion in particular. Nowadays, with the development of internet ordering systems and overnight delivery of goods, it is hard to realize the gap, which existed between rural areas and the big cities in the end of the nineteenth century. Mail-order catalogue made ready-made clothing accessible for women all over America, homogenizing and democratizing fashion across the country.
5. Which one do you think had the most impact on the lives of average people?
The invention of sewing machine by Elias Howe genuinely had a great impact on the life of average people. It allowed mass production of ready-made clothing, thus reducing its price. Clothes has become more affordable for people with lower income and opened the era of department stores.
6. Which one do you think continues to have the most impact on your life today?
I believe that the creation of photography by Louis Jacques Daguerre is one of the most influential inventions of the later part of the Nineteenth century, which has a great impact on our lives even nowadays. It is increasingly used today in every household, in magazines and as a special branch of art. Without photography many important moments of our history, including both major historical events and the development of clothing and fashion, would have been forgotten.
