Grasshopper St Widow's Weeds Set - Legacy Version 1.0

The Victorians absolutely perfected the art of mourning. Following the lead of Queen Victoria, who lost her beloved husband Prince Albert in 1861 and marked that loss for the rest of her life (another 40 years!), elaborate customs were developed around death and grieving. Though few could live up to the queen's level of devotion, women who lost their husbands were expected to observe some form of mourning for a year or two (though it varied greatly depending on social status and individual situations).

The first phase was deep or full mourning. During this time the widow was meant to remain isolated at home, her clothes were all of a plain black fabric (with much use of crepe for its dull finish), and a veil was always worn over the face. Second mourning was the next phase, and during this time the veil moved to the back of the head. A little jewelry was permissible (jet was popular, as were pieces woven from the hair of the departed). The third phase was half mourning, when colors such as grey, mauve, lilac or purple could be incorporated. This final period could be as short as three months or as long as a lifetime. Men, by the way, were only expected to stay in mourning for 3 months after the death of their wife.

So for all those Victorian widows out there, I've put together a special Widow's Weeds set. It consists of pure black versions of the 1874 Day Dress Satin, Pelerine, Scalloped Gloves, Veiled Bonnet, and Victorian Parasol (so if you have all of those anyway, you can make your own widow look, no need to purchase this set as well!). A complete mourning outfit in one package!

All of the rigged pieces (the dress, pelerine, and gloves) are fitted to Legacy + Perky.