French Fashions – 1866-1867

Victorian Velvet Zouave Jackets and Elegant Salon Walking Dresses

This original 1860s fashion plate from “The Young Englishwoman” showcases the sophisticated indoor and reception styles worn by elite women during the mid-Victorian era. The lady on the left models an elegant back view of a rich purple velvet jacket trimmed with thick white faux fur or swan-down, complete with decorative gold silk tassels draping over a voluminous cream silk taffeta skirt. Her companion stands dressed in a vibrant emerald green day dress adorned with intricate black lace applique bands along the sleeve cuffs, waistband, and lower skirt hem, illustrating the high-contrast color palettes of European salon fashion.

Fur-Trimmed Garments and Passementerie Accents for Historical Theater

For wardrobe stylists and historical fashion researchers, this illustration provides key technical data on the transitioning silhouettes and decorative trims of the early 1860s. The violet jacket bodice showcases a split basque waist designed to lay flat over the expanding fullness of a bell-shaped crinoline cage. The integration of structural passementerie trim, matching fabric-covered buttons on the green dress bodice, and formal feather-accented headbands offers authentic design references for recreating wealthy bourgeois morning wear and theatrical costumes with high historical accuracy.