Beau Dozier : The gradual democratization of Western society was the first cause of change. The French and American revolutions helped promote the idea that all men were equal, and their clothing changed to reflect this equality. Prior to these revolutions, the clothing worn by aristocrats differed dramatically from that worn by commoners, and sumptuary laws regulated clothing and other ornamentation to maintain the distinction. Aristocrats tended to monopolize the most colorful and luxurious clothing. Commoners, no matter how rich, wore more sober clothing. During the French Revolution, sumptuary laws were abolished in France.

        Beau Dozier Chat : After Napoleon became emperor in 1804 he revived the French textile and fashion industries, which had declined during the revolution. Aiding his efforts was the Jacquard loom, perfected in 1801 by its inventor, Joseph-Marie Jacquard. This device largely automated the process of weaving patterns in fabrics and made great variety possible. Soon white muslins gave way to colorful silks, and women's clothing became more heavily ornamented.
Victoria ascended the British throne in 1837, and the remainder of the 19th century has been dubbed the Victorian Age. A widely believed misconception about Victorian fashion is that tight corsets and bustles virtually crippled Victorian women.

        Beau Dozier Chat : "You always do wish there was some kind of crazy egg laid on the carpet," she said.

Amen to that.