The dress reform problem : a chapter for women / by E. Ward & Co.

  • E. Ward & Co.
Date:
1886
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The dress reform problem : a chapter for women / by E. Ward & Co. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    unborn, of what man could be once ; of what he can he again if he will obey those laws of nature which are the voice of God. I would make them discontented with the ugliness and closeness of their dwellings; I would make them discontented with the fashion of their garments, and still more the women, of all ranks, with the fashion of theirs; and with everything around them which they have the power of improving, if it be at all ungraceful, superfluous, tawdry, ridiculous, and unwholesome.— Eev. C. Kingsley, “ Health and Education.’’—p. 22. There is a notion abroad that hygienic dress is but a synonym for ugliness ; and, to a very great extent, our Eeformers are responsible for it. Sometimes by the zeal of their re-action ; sometimes because they have not had the artistic training which is requisite for the designing of an elegant costume; and sometimes because they really “ don't care for looks ”—by the style of their dress they proclaim to the whole world—“ health is everything, beauty is nothing; ” and they stride on their way in what is doubtless a comfortable and sanitary garb, but which is condemned by every educated eye as wanting in the harmonious details of a perfect dress. So far from im- pressing the general public with a desire for imitation, such a garb never fails to bring upon the wearer the contemptuous epithet—“ Eidiculous old guy ! ’’ Is it not surprising under what deep delusions women lie as to the effect their toilettes produce upon the beholder? In the highest circles of society the anachronisms of attire are not so apparent. The woman of refinement, whose surroundings are delicate and beautiful, instinctively shrinks from a monstrosity of fashion ; hence her dress