Date: c. 1870s
Origin: Great Britain
Fabric: Cotton tape, metal wires, metal buckle
Brand: Unknown
A cage crinolette of cotton tape, supported by textile encased metal wires and fastening at the front of the body with a metal buckle.
Crinolines offered support to the skirts of outer clothing whilst remaining lightweight and allowing a greater degree of freedom of movement. Previously, fashionable full skirted fashions were supported by a number of petticoats, which could be bulky and heavy. Cage crinolines were first popularised in the late 1850s, with the silhouette evolving to suit changing womenswear fashions. By the late 1860s, the full rounded crinoline shape had evolved into the crinolette, a transitional garment between the original cage crinoline and the bustles of the late 19th century. Crinolettes had a greater level of projection to the rear of the garment, with little projection to the sides and front of the garment.
From the collection of Karolina Laskowska
