#legofmuttonsleeve

       This is one of the favorite top I wear at work (with leggings of course).  It’s not the typical corporate outfit but it’s classy and would surely get attention especially because of its geometric print.  I agree to what my colleagues commented about the style as unique and unusual, they even asked me if I had it custom made.  Well I bought it years ago, a sale item from one of the local clothing brands.  In this modern age we can occasionally catch a glimpse of the “leg of mutton” sleeve (also called gigot sleeve) in Victorian-inspired clothes. Let’s revisit when it was first seen.

     Originally it was first seen during the 1920’s but it was during 1890’s of the Victorian age when the leg of mutton sleeve became very popular which grew in size each year and believed to leave the fashion scene in about 1906.

A leg of mutton sleeve is a one-piece sleeve that has plentiful volume gathered into the sleeve cap that tapers to a straight sleeve at the sleeve hem. It's a puff sleeve on one side only that creates a dominating look with wide, tall shoulders. The leg of mutton experienced its height of popularity in the late 19th century with the women's rights movement and experienced resurgence in the 1980's. [ eHow, Types of Old Fashioned Sleeves ]

      It's interesting to know that there have been a lot of development in terms of the structure and functionality of the costumes during the Victorian age compared to other fashion era (in my opinion).  This was mainly because the sewing machine was invented by that time, there were more drama on the garments and there were also synthetic dyes to make bold and intense color which of course makes the garments more attractive.

       If I can travel back in a time capsule it would be great to go and witness the extravagant costumes of the Victorian era.  I love to get dressed with one stunning outfit, I know I will look lovely but I would need to have a quick change because of issues not being comfortable.