Victorian Fashions: Real or Not? Find Out at Southbury Public Library on Saturday

Victorian Fashions: Real or Not?
Saturday, May 27 at 1pm in Kingsley

Queen Victoria. The Victorian Age. These names give rise to images of women swathed in yards and yard of fabric, proper bonnets on the head and gloves on the hands. Tightly-corseted waists. Children dressed like little adults. Men in dark frock coats, stiff white shirts, with little color to relieve the black and white of the outfit. But is this a true understanding of the fashions worn during the Victorian era?

Queen Victoria, by inheriting the throne at an early age and living into her 80's, endowed much of the nineteenth century with her name. She reigned during a time of great advancements in science and social beliefs. Social, technological, and political changes are reflected in the notable evolution of women's, children's, and men's clothing.

This PowerPoint presentation explores the many changes that occurred throughout the Victorian era and how these influenced fashion. We will look at what was stylish - real or otherwise - during this most fashionable time.

Susan J. Jerome is the Collections Manager at the University of Rhode Island Historic Textile and Costume Collection. She earned her MS degree from the University of Rhode Island, Department of Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design. Prior to continuing her education, she worked for a number of years at Mystic Seaport Museum. Ms. Jerome also works as a textile and quilt conservator and a consultant to museums and historical societies.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Southbury Public Library.

Registration is required. Please call the library at203-262-0626 ext. 130