The corsage has been around for centuries, with the first recorded instance being in ancient Greece. The Greeks would wear corsages made of garlic to ward off evil spirits. In the Middle Ages, knights wore corsages made of metal or leather as a form of armor. In the Renaissance, corsages were often made of lace and were very ornate.
The modern corsage can be traced back to the Victorian era. At this time, flowers were first used as a fashion element. Women would wear flowers in their hair or on their clothing. The most popular flower for this purpose was the rose. Roses symbolized love and romance and were often given to women by their suitors.
The corsage became even more popular in the Edwardian era. This was due to two things: the rise of department stores and the increasing popularity of flowers as a fashion accessory. Department stores began selling ready-made bouquets that could be pinned to clothing. This made it easier for women to wear flowers as a fashion statement. Flowers also became more popular as gifts during this time period. It was not uncommon for a man to give a woman he was courting a small bouquet of flowers.
The corsage reached its height of popularity in the 1920s. This was the era of flappers and the Roaring Twenties. Women began wearing shorter skirts and dresses and they wanted accessories that would show off their new found freedom. The corsage was the perfect accessory for this purpose. It could be worn on the wrist or around the neck and it added a touch of elegance to any outfit.
The corsage fell out of fashion in the 1930s but made a comeback in the 1940s thanks to Hollywood starlets like Marilyn Monroe and Rita Hayworth who often wore them in movies and on red carpets. The 1950s saw another decline in popularity but by the 1960s, they were once again becoming fashionable thanks to Jackie Kennedy who often wore them during her husband’s presidential campaign stops.
Today, the corsage is once again a popular fashion accessory worn by celebrities and everyday women alike. They are often seen at formal events such as weddings and proms but can also be worn more casual occasions such as parties or even just out on a date night with that special someone