Tag: queen of beetles

(The Victorian fascination with the natural world…Angels & Insects was not as far off as you'd think.  I love the "ever-moving" toy beetles.  Keep in mind that "short skirt" in this case means mid-calf length, not a miniskirt, and the whole thing would probably be built over a bustle.)

Short black skirt with horizontal stripes of red and yellow; the same combination carried round the top of the black bodice; a black pointed cap, the whole covered with ever-moving toy beetles.  A sceptre in the hand, surmounted by a beetle.

Source: Holt, Ardern.  Fancy Dresses Described, 5th Edition.  London: Debenham & Freebody, 1887.