Skirts

Skirts have been worn since prehistoric times as the simplest way to cover the body. The Ancient Egyptians wore wrap around garments. Kilts were very fashionable for Egyptian men.

During the 19th century the cut of womens skirts varied more widely than in any other century. 

At the begining of the century waistlines started just below the bust (empire line) and gradually sank to the natural waist. Skirts started fairly narrow and increased dramatically to the bell shaped skirt of the 1840s. By the next decade skirts , often with deep flounces or tiers were being supported by crinoline hoops. This style continued until around 1865 when it began to lose its volume at the front and moved the emphasis to the back, creating the bustle. The fashionable bustle disappeared after only a few years in favour of the more natural form skirt. However it returned in the early 1880s in a far more exaggerated form with the back of the skirt being shelf like. They were also highly decorative.

The 1890s saw a return to a sweeping shaped skirt with far less volume. Hemlines started to rise with some as much as six inches off the floor. 

 

In this section you will find my current collection of skirts available. Not all are historical designs. I also make to order if you have a particular request.