Mankind’s love of horses is older than recorded time and continues today. Nothing compares to a gallop; your mount gliding swift and even, barely making contact with the ground, rider and steed as one, practically on wings. Early in the 1800s the male wardrobe was entirely designed around travel in a saddle. As the century wore on, infrastructure throughout Britain improved, people started to journey more by carriage, train, and finally automobiles. The clothing reflected this trend, but overall, most men could climb on a horse anytime, whatever they…
The Thrilling Tales of a Remarkable Young Lady
Kate had just come into society, not yet sixteen, the daughter of an earl, when she unknowingly became a courier for the British Secret Service. Then, through circumstances and desire, their first Lady clandestine operative, carrying out tasks from 1849 to 1855.
Discover a little about those missions of high adventure. Join Kate as she uses her intellect, charm, and aplomb, and her brother's fantastic inventions, to work her way through each desperate situation.
Kate Tattersall Adventures in India, late Autumn 1849
In which the Adventuress, flushed with her early success, takes on a much more perilous tasking that would have been far beyond most ladies, or men, of her day.
Kate Tattersall Adventures in Ireland, Spring and Summer 1850
In which the Adventuress adopts a new disguise, experiences failure, and out of necessity acts most unladylike.
Content Advisory
Similar to the sensational Penny Dreadfuls of the Victorian era, these adventures contain mature themes and violence. We recommend them as suitable for young adults, and adults of all ages who are young at heart.
Jan
15
Please refer to the previous article, Victorian Fashion Terms; A ~ M, for an introduction.
Nonchalantes were the first elasticized corsets, marketed around 1850 as travelling corsets. Rubber had been used in clothing for about twenty years, and started to be less smelly and more durable. However, these early elasticized garments weren’t popular, perhaps due to cost, resistance to change, or the lingering rubber odour and poor breathable qualities? “The travelling corset, called the nonchalante, is an article every way worthy of the name. From its extreme elasticity and clever combination it yields to every motion of the body, and supports it without the least compression or inconvenience.” Harper’s New Monthly Magazine, New York, 1852.
When reading 19th century diaries, literature, and magazines, one might come across something like this: “Basquine of black velvet trimmed with narrow galloon, which is edged with lace. The lappets are long and come well over the hips.” Peterson’s Magazine, 1855. Due to several requests from Victorian era enthusiasts, what follows is a list of fashion terms used from 1837 to 1901. I will not get into all obscure marketing names like the Zerlina, Maritana, and Eugenie capes, the Echarpe Orintale dress, or the Anna and Hortense bodies, as a few examples; there were thousands. As I have covered undergarments and hats in previous compositions only a few definitions will be included here. Ensuing articles will examine the complete…