America was reading the paper at breakfast one morning in the early 1960s when a news story made it drop a forkful of ham and eggs onto the plate.
A university professor in New York City (of course) had just published an immensely scandalous book, The Other Victorians. 19th-century ladies and gentlemen, it seemed, shared certain interests that were not to be spoken of in polite society.
The author gave proof. It was copious.
I happened to be at the table that morning, and I admit being a bit shocked myself.
Hard to believe, now. Hadn’t we ever taken a clear-eyed look at the clothes Victorian women used to wear?
Victorian Velvet Blouse (No. 1571) in lustrous rayon/silk, satin-lined. An adulation of the female form, with fitted waist. Emphatic flow of fabric over the hips. Eyecatching inverted pleats in back. Flattering princess seams. Shell buttons with visible golden pin shanks.
Even if you seldom wear vintage clothes, you should see yourself in this; it’s magic, almost.
Women’s sizes: 4 through 16.
Color: Ruby.
