Is this 1990s or Victorian?

Older generations love to remind us that styles “come back around” – but how much did the Victorians influence 1990s fashion? From jewellery to glitzy purses, let’s test your eye: are these items from the V&A collection 20 years old, or over 120?

Question 1Question 1 out of 8:

In this case all that glitters is gold – but who wore it?

A: A ’90s rapper B: A Victorian aristocrat

Question 2Question 2 out of 8:

This hat has seen some long, hot summers – but during which century? 

A: Perfect for those 1990s heatwaves B: Great for a beach day in Victorian era Blackpool

Question 3Question 3 out of 8:

Is this ring showing the Virgin Mary from an old monastery or a modern fashion collection?

A: 1990s fashion collection B: Victorian monastery

Question 4Question 4 out of 8:

What is this item of clothing, and how old is it?

A: It’s a corset top from the 1990s B: It’s a Victorian bodice from the 1890s

Question 5Question 5 out of 8:

Is this a Victorian nightgown or a 1990s summer dress? 

A: 1990s dress B: Victorian nightgown

Question 6Question 6 out of 8:

How about this gold necklace engraved with Medusa heads?  

A: Gleaming gold and definitely ’90s B: Dazzlingly gold and obviously Victorian

Question 7Question 7 out of 8:

What’s this necklace of roses made of?

A: It’s made of red plastic and it’s from the 1990s B: It’s made of stained ivory and it’s Victorian

Question 8Question 8 out of 8:

Finally, which era does this glittery purse belong to? 

A: Oh so ’90s B: Victorian vintage

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