Anecdotes of the Manners and Customs of London during the Eighteenth Century; Vol. 2 (of 2): Including the Charities, Depravities, Dresses, and Amusements etc.Malcolm, James Peller
History
Anecdotes of the Manners and Customs of London during the Eighteenth Century; Vol. 2 (of 2): Including the Charities, Depravities, Dresses, and Amusements etc.
Malcolm, James Peller
London (England) -- Social life and customs -- 18th century
"This is a piece of gauze, minionett, catgut, or Leicester
web, &c. &c. which is clouted about the head, then crossed
under the chin, and brought back to fasten behind, the two
ends hanging down like a pair of pigeons tails.
"This fashion was copied from the silk-handkerchiefs which
Market-women tie over their ears, roll about their throats,
and then pin up to the nape of their necks.
"They were first worn in the Inner-square of Covent-garden
market, among the green-stalls; it was from thence introduced
into the outward-square or Piazzas among the stalls there.
"Mrs. Jane Douglass (of procuring memory) who was a very
great market-woman in her way, was the first who made
a Scotch lawn double neck handkerchief into the Mob
above-mentioned.
"Her female boarders would do as the mistress did, to be
sure; and, after a little cut and contrivance, away they
whisked in them to Ranelagh.
"The ladies of fashion there, who sometimes dress almost like
ladies of the town, immediately took the hint. The fashion
flew abroad upon the wings of whim; and, as Schioppius
observes, instantly spread itself over the face of the land.
"_The Mary Queen of Scots Cap_,
"Edged down the face with French beads, was very becoming to
some complexions; but as the Cap was made of black gauze, and
saved washing, it has too much good housewifery in it, ever
to be immense taste.
"_The Fly Cap._
"This is fixed upon the forehead, forming the figure of
an over-grown butterfly, resting upon its head, with
outstretched wings; it is much worn at present, not that it
either adds to the colour or outlines of the face; but as
these Caps are edged with garnets, topazes, or brilliants,
they are very sparkling; and a side-box appearance is not now
altogether the consultation of elegance, but ornament.
"Therefore those ladies who make the most show, are looked
upon to be the finest women.
"It is become a very interesting dispute, among the
connoisseurs in general, whether the present Turban-roll,
which is now wore round the Mecklenburgh Caps, was taken from
the Ægyptian Fillet, the Persian Tiara, or Wreath round the
eldest Faustina's temples?
"By way of Postscript we may add, that the ladies, as to
their Shoe-heels, go just as they did, no fixed measure, some
as broad as a tea-cup's brim, some as narrow as the china
circle the cup stands upon.
"Bell-hoops, Blond-laces, Pompoons, Neck-laces as usual.
Modesty-bits--out of fashion; and Hats are trimmed as every
person pleases."
"THE HISTORY OF MALE FASHIONS.
"_First Chapter. Of Hats; after Hippocrates._
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account