Queen Victoria completely blows my mind. For thousands of years, brides wore colors. From their deep jeweled royal family colors to yellows and pastels. Less wealthy brides wore their best dress and fancied it up with ribbons and bows. Middle class brides purchased new dresses that could be worn again and again after the wedding day. Royal weddings have been the inspiration for brides of every class for centuries. The problem was, velvets and gold trim and the garb worn at royal weddings wasn't accessible to the ordinary bride.
ENTER QUEEN VICTORIA!!!
In 1840, at just 18 years old, Victoria was ready to be wed. She was already a queen for 3 years, not a princess and my no means ordinary. She decided to wear white. WHITE! Only a few years after the industrial revolution when fabric was machine made and easy to come by. Her decision to wear white was a political statement. She wasn't trying to portray her wealth or allure, but portray her obligation as the leader of her country instead.
Because of the industrial revolution, skilled artisans of handmade lace industries, were hit hard. Queen Victoria chose handmade lace to support these artisans. Her decision to wear white had nothing to do with purity or joy. She was just a solid patriot.
The industrial revolution still happened though, with or without support from the Queen. Lace and fabric were inexpensive and accessible and the ability to emulate royal attire became a possibility for the very first time. no matter what the income.
It just stuck.
That's the coolest part! Over 170 years ago, a strong independent woman made a revolutionary decision that is still favored around the world!
Way to be there Vicky!
And what about these shoes!?! I'd wear these today. That's what you call classic, timeless style!
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