Riding habit 1893

This Riding Habit, crafted by the Everall Brothers, speaks volumes about the constraints and aspirations of women in a bygone era. During its time, women's fashion was dictated by rigid social norms, with riding habits symbolizing both freedom and confinement. While equestrian activities offered women a rare opportunity to engage with the outdoors and assert a degree of independence, their attire remained heavily prescribed by societal expectations. The tailored jacket, with its nipped waist and structured shoulders, projects an image of feminine strength and control. Yet, the long, cumbersome skirt restricts movement, reminding us of the limitations placed upon women's physical and social mobility. This garment embodies the contradictions of womanhood, reflecting the tension between liberation and constraint, empowerment and subjugation. It serves as a poignant reminder of the complex negotiations women navigated to assert their agency within the boundaries of tradition.