I thought it might be fun to look back at some of the fashions of days gone by as represented by historical photos of the fashionable ladies of the Victorian era.
These unknown ladies are decked out for their picture. This one is from Crystal Falls.
These ladies look like they found their best hats for this photo session. This unknown group of women were from Crystal Falls. From the hairstyles to the ruffled dresses, This picture is great fun.
A picture from Menominee unknown woman with 1890s winter coat and muffler.
This woman from Menominee is dressed for the winter cold. Her fur lined coat and muffler say she’s ready for some outdoor fun. That muffler could hold a clandestine bottle of brandy well concealed.
Several ladies of the 1890s relax on a porch on Mackinac Island.
On Mackinac Island everyone dresses their best no matter what time of day. These Victorian ladies relax on a porch enjoying the Lake Huron breeze. We all know life on the island is easy and they seem to be making the most of it.
An unknown Ojibwa Princess in beautiful hand-made clothing.
This picture was taken from a stereoview and was labeled Ojibwa Princess at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Unfortunately, no name was attached to the picture. I wish the picture had a little more detail of the intricate beadwork on the shoulders. A truly wonderful example of Native American fashion capturing the traditional dress of Ojibwa culture, her leather and bead finery shows the love and care that went into that dress.
This little girl from Sault Ste. Marie shows children weren’t immune to the Victorian dress either.
This little girl has the look that means business. She does not look like she and getting pictures taken agree. Maybe that lace collar is a little tight. She looks like she could hold her own in a bar fight.
The Lypsinmaas sisters pose from Red Jacket showing the fashions from the Keweenaw.
From the Keweenaw we get the Lypsinmaas sisters. This is the hot look from the Keweenaw but admittedly, the fingerless gloves say things are pretty cool. The woman on the right looks like she’s headed for Roswell, NM for a UFO convention with that hat. The one in the middle looks like she’s auditioning for a George Romero movie.
If you liked these pictures and would like to see more, pick up a signed copy of my book: Faces, Places & Days Gone By.
