History has passed, but we can still understand a part of the life of the ancients thanks to the great merits of the photos kept to this day. They may not be sharp or show no vivid colors, but they are still a testament to history.
Are you a trendy girl who is always ready to follow the latest fashions?
If true, thank God that you were born in the 21st century. Because if you live in the 19th century with a similar personality, you can absolutely be burned alive at any moment. The reason is because of crinoline – a fashionable dress for women in this period.
This is the Crinoline – a puffy skirt with a steel frame inside.
According to Rare Historical Photos, Crinoline appeared on the fashion scene in the mid-1800s and took its name from the French language, where “crin” means “horsehair,” a stiff material made from horsehair – and “lin” is the flax fiber used to weave linen.
In the early 1850s, when the sewing machine was invented, it was considered one of the most important inventions of the 19th century because it made it easy and quick to mass-produce clothing including underwear. .
Initially, only the upper class could wear this dress. It is like a typical sign proving the nobility and wealth of the upper class and especially the luxury and luxury of the ladies.
At this time, people tend to prefer dresses that are wider, the more flowing the better. However, there was not enough horsehair to make Crinoline and in June 1856, people created Crinoline made from super light profiled steel. This invention was first patented in April 1856 by RC Milliet in Paris, and just a few months later it was extremely popular in England.
Crinoline made from steel is mass-produced in large quantities, factories across Western countries producing tens of thousands of units a year. Alternative materials, such as whalebone, cane, gutta-percha and even inflatable rubber (natural rubber) are also used to make Crinoline, but steel-based materials are still the most popular.
In June 1856, people created the Crinoline made from super light profiled steel.
Initially, only the upper class could wear this dress. It is like a typical sign proving the nobility and wealth of the upper class and especially the luxury and luxury of the ladies. Images of such dresses also appear in many literary and artistic works.
But over time, it became more and more popular. Crinoline was gradually worn by women of all status and social classes throughout the Western world, from royal figures to factory workers.
There is no denying that Crinoline really helped 19th century women to be more gorgeous with flowing, seductive dresses. It even brings commendable advantages. But first of all, the weight. The gentle Crinoline helps the ladies to lose a few pounds of fabric on their body, avoiding being suffocated and hot.
And especially, their toileting also became softer. Many women also think that it is also extremely convenient when they can store many sundries under their skirts.
People can even use that steel frame to change raincoats. Extremely convenient…
The convenient crinoline is also dangerous if worn without care. As time goes on, people find more and more disadvantages of Crinoline. The skirt cage is too large, making it difficult to move, especially when going through the door.
Besides these everyday tragedies there is a real danger. Because, this dress will become a death trap if the wearer is unfortunate enough to stand too close to the fire.
This dress will become a death trap if the wearer is unfortunate enough to stand too close to the fire.
The reason is because the structure of the dress allows it to store a lot of air underneath. At the same time, due to the oversized size, the skirt is also sewn from a lot of fabric.
This combination makes it very flammable. The structure from the steel frame also unintentionally makes the dress look like a locked cage, and they can’t easily get out when something goes wrong.
Another reason the fashion of this period was really dangerous is that the fabric used to make the shirt was too flammable. Tragic stories from this fabric also happened very often with dancers in the 19th century.
Dancers at that time also wore skirts made of many layers of fabric to create spread. Only thing, the stage lights at that time were lit by gas, and were placed right under the feet.
“Fire near the straw also burns after a while” – the proverb of our forefathers has been applied literally in this case.
The fabric used to make shirts back then was too flammable.
One of the most famous accidents was the case of dancer Emma Livry in 1862, when she was burned alive because her skirt was caught in a gas lamp. After the tragic accident, she had only 8 months to live before dying at the age of 21.
Fortunately, towards the end of the 19th century, the concept of aesthetics also changed. Puffy skirts are also reduced to reduce the risk of catching fire and ensure safety for the wearer.
Fortunately, by the end of the 19th century, this type of puffy skirt was also reduced.
However, the concern about flammable clothing persists for a very long time. At that time, manufacturers created many very cool fabrics – such as flannelette (soft fabric like cotton). But in return, when they catch fire, they will burn very quickly.
So much so that in 1953, the US government had to pass a new law to ensure manufacturers had to make safer clothes. Later, similar laws appeared in many countries around the world.