Amazing what wonders surface on the internet. Recently we came across these incredible images of women of color from the Victorian era (mainly from 1860 to 1901) on Downtown LA life. Not much is known about the gorgeous women pictured outside of the time period. However, that doesn’t stop us from appreciating them! Check out some of our favorite photos of the timeless beauties below:
Sunday’s Best
Dress Game Proper
The hat steez is amazing!
Stepping out in Sequins
These two classy ladies have set the standard so high
When the whole clique is on point!
Before Lupita N’yongo, this darling captured our hearts
When your great great great great grandma takes better instagram photos than you
Detailed down to the umbrella. Sky is the limit here.
Have you encountered any under the radar historical photos of women of color?Â
23 Responses
Drop dead GORGEOUS!!!!! Thank you for these!!!
These women and their clothing all show Class. Class is a quality lacking in so many people, regardless of color, religion or economic status. Here’s thought: could there be a link between lack of class and our cheap, disposable clothing?
this was beautiful!
Simply beautiful! When I look at those women not only do I see their external beauty but the beauty that comes from within. The strength and character to endure the hardships and injustices of their time and still stand tall. They both inspire and humble me. Thanks for this post!
Stunning!! When I was in the states 14 years ago I came across a book which was a collection of AA children from the same era. I couldn’t resist buying it but i totally forgot that I had it until now. Going to have to dig it up.
Neither did i
funny how she stands out. She looks rather mischivious.
Their clothing was better quality too. Part of the reason the mass produced stuff gets thrown away often is it’s not built to last. after so many washes it falls apart or shrinks or the color fades to crap. But I think that’s on purpose to keep us buying more often. I told myself unless it’s flip flops I’m not buying cheap shoes any more no matter how cute. The strap or heel or whatever always breaks within a few months if not sooner but when I buy from the department store my shoes last about two years. To me paying a little more on front end isa better investment.
Her name is Frances Parker Wilson. She is my grandmother. They are all sisters from Pearl River County, MS.
Wow! They’re ALL sisters? Did they have any brothers?
wow!!! cool tidbit!!!
I think that Lupita looks a bit like that woman…that’s why (I think)
I noticed her too and I sure did just say to myself ‘I’m gonna try that hairstyle this week!’
Her name is Frances Parker Wilson. She is my grandmother. They are all sisters from Pearl River County, MS. 🙂
Ms. Parker, I’d be interested in chatting with you about this photograph for a project. Would it be possible to chat with you? Is there a social media handle I can reach you at? Thanks –
http://www.TaraLake.com, AfroSouthern (at) gmail (dot) com.
Neither did I..
I adore the hats these lovely ladies are wearing. I have lots of old family photos. My mom’s side of the family has always been into picture taking. I have pictures of five of my great great grandparents and of tons of other relatives. Some as children, teens, young adults.. Most of them they are dolled up but some are just every day pictures of them in work clothes. They owned their own farms and my great grandfather also had a butcher shop. I do have one photo I love of my great grandmother’s sister dressed as a flapper. I like the photos posted on here. History books tend to give skewed impression that all black people in the US during this period. Not true.
Awesome pics. Serious detailing in the clothing. A time before mass production had us throwing out clothes every season.
i didnt get the lupita nyongo reference
Love this! Blacks, no matter the era, are never drip and drab are they…and they always prosper…The Arthur Schomberg research in Black culture library?, part of the ny public library system, has amazing photos also..they are online.
Awesome post!
Omg! The lady in the 7th pic ( in the group of ladies, 2nd from the left) has such a nice hair style. I might wear that to school sometime! I’ve been looking for new hairstyles.
Her name is Frances Parker. She is my Grandmother. They are all sisters from Pearl River County, MS. She was a lovely lady inside and out.