Victims of Fashion

In the 19th century, animal products were widely used in Britain, such as alpaca wool, sealskin, ivory, feathers, perfumes, and exotic pets. This study explores their rise and fall in popularity, sourcing, processing, marketing, and ecological impact.

Format: Hardback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 18 November 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

In the 19th century, animal products held a prominent place in Britain, with middle-class Victorian women embracing a wide range of them. From dresses crafted from alpaca wool to jackets made from sealskin, they adorned themselves with tortoiseshell combs and adorned their hats with feathers. Their entertainment included playing pianos with ivory keys and owning parrots or monkeys as living fashion accessories. In her groundbreaking study, Helen Cowie delves into the significance of these animal-based commodities in Britain throughout the long 19th century. She traces their rise and fall in popularity, responding to evolving tastes, availability, and ethical concerns. Cowie focuses on six popular animal products: feathers, sealskin, ivory, alpaca wool, perfumes, and exotic pets. She explores the sourcing, processing, marketing, and consumption of these commodities, as well as the ecological impact of 19th-century fashion. Through meticulous research and analysis, Cowie sheds light on the intricate relationship between fashion, animals, and society in the 19th century, providing a rich and captivating perspective on this period.

Weight: 558g
Dimension: 160 x 321 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108495172
Edition number: New ed