Cinema and the Victorian Era - A Time of Opulence and Drama

Nothing says Hollywood better than glistening jewels and big, dramatic flair. This was the style of the Victorian Era, which took place during Queen Victoria's reign of England, from 1837-1901. During this era under Queen Victoria's rule, the economy was flourishing and the world (particularly England - which was the world's superpower at that time) was progressing in politics, industry, women's empowerment, and science. These changing times ultimately led to a change in fashion. With an improving economy, fashions - especially in the wealthy upper class - became more lavish and extravagant, reminiscent of the Georgian Era, which took place during the 18th century. Fashions of this time have been shown beautifully in modern-day cinema focused around the era.

As mentioned before, everything was big, dramatic, and opulent. Women's skirts were enlarged with hoop skirts and bustles, while corsets were worn to cinch and emphasize a women's waist. Gowns were made of silks and satins, and adorned with extragavant embroidery and jewels. Amazing costume designers have used their skills and knowledge to create stunning representations of Victorian Era fashion in movies and television. Such costume designers, such as Sandy Powell (The Young Victoria), have even gone on to receive prestigious awards like the Oscars, for their work bringing history and fashion to life in these films.    

         

 An antique gown from the Victorian Era -
note the very full skirt and over-the-top bustle

Emily Blunt as Queen Victoria in
The Young Victoria

Emily Blunt, once again in The Young Victoria

Emmy Rossum as Christine Daae in The Phantom of the Opera

Examples of full skirted gowns in Anna Karenina

Hoop skirt and corset as worn by Keira Knightley in Anna Karenina

Here are some more films/series based around the Victorian Era you might be interested in checking out:
Alice in Wonderland
An Ideal Husband
Bleak House
Gone with the Wind
North and South
The Age of Innocence

More on the history of Victorian fashion:
eHow Style
Eras of Elegance
Fashion-Era