Vickie Wendel - Fashion Trends and Issues

Historical presentation on the Fashion Trends and Issues of the mid 1800’s to the 1920’s. This program is presented by a fashionably dressed woman of 1860, her dress reflecting the era of early Minnesota statehood and one of the most recognizable fashion periods of American history. The audience will look at the history of clothing worn in the mid to late 19th century, following women's fashions from the sewing machine to ready-made clothing that came from the mail order catalog. The influences on fashion from political, social, and etiquette issues provide a glimpse at how our foremothers dressed and why. The program also features period clothing and allows guests to see what a slat bonnet really was or how stiff corset boning felt. Though focused on women's clothing--it changed the most--the influence of men on style is included and makes this program fun for everyone. Nine presentations were held in the LARL region from April 23-25, 2013. Presentations were held at the Ada Library, Barnesville Library, Breckenridge Library, Crookston Library, Detroit Lakes Library, Fertile Library, Fosston Library, Hawley Library, and Moorhead Library.