[Editorial Note: Harper's New Monthly Magazine featured the "Bloomer Costume" in its July 1851 issue. The magazine was a fervent opponent of woman's rights but took a favorable view of what it called the "Turkish Costume." This, however, did not stop it from reprinting a satiric look at the new costume from Punch, the British humor magazine, a few months later.]
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P. 288: There appears to be a decided and growing tendency on the part of our countrywomen, to wear the trowsers. If properly done, we certainly can not object. . . .It is conceded by all that the dresses of prevailing immoderate length, sweeping the ground at every step, are among the silliest foibles of Fashion; expensive, inconvenient, and untidy. Recently, in several places, practical reformers, as bold as Joan of Arc, have discarded the trailing skirts, and adopted the far more convenient, equally chaste, and more elegant dresses of Oriental women. Some ridicule them; others sneer contemptuously or laugh incredulously, and others commend them for their taste and courage. We are disposed to be placed in the latter category; and to show our good will, we present, above, a sketch of Oriental Costume, as a model for our reformers. What can be more elegant and graceful, particularly for young ladies? |