Fashion goes in waves, with clothing’s volumes going up and down. Trend-setting dressers distinguish themselves from the pack with all kinds of accessories. In the late 19th century, bustles helped create a desirable but highly unnatural female silhouette. This boned underskirt lengthens the behind, emphasising a narrow corseted waist. It looks  uncomfortable but it was also innovative: when you sat down, the bustle folded itself.

[text 2026]