Around the turn of the century, fashion became a kind of language, one that spoke of status, taste, and the quiet art of being seen. These women, likely photographed between 1898 and VICTORIAN FASHIONS in a mid 19th century style magazine Stock Photo Alamy Fashions of the early 19th century Regency era (c. 1795 1837) were designed to be seen in motion. Gloves, shawls, and parasols can animate someone walking, turning, or lingering. Subtle gestures are central to Empire Regency epochs of fashion: Costume and Dress throughout History