The fashion press can be a useful source for documenting fashion transitions and changes in styles although the search can sometime resemble searching for a needle in a haystack. However, one can find some interesting nuggets of information and especially in documenting the transition from the First Bustle Era to the Mid-Bustle (aka “natural form”) Era. Below is an interesting item that appeared in the August 1877 issue of Peterson’s Magazine:
We also give the latest novelty in Parisian tournure. It is made of muslin, the top laid in a deep double box-plait, perfectly tight-fitting, to which is added two flounces, very full and stiffly starched. This is simply to keep the train out at the bottom. No tournure is worn near the waist, perfect flatness is the present prevailing style.
From the August 1877 issue of Peterson’s Magazine.
While not particularly earth-shattering in terms of the evolution of Bustle Era fashions, it does help to roughly date when a new trend began to emerge. Stay tuned for more! 🙂