EMPIRE? REGENCY?
I know "Regency" is the common English expression for the high-waisted, narrow fashion in the early 19.th century. But my art book separates the period into three categories:
"Directoire": Named after the directory which had executive powes in France in the late 1790's.
"Empire": Referring to France under Napoleon, app. 1800-1815
"Regency": Referring to George IV's formal regency, app. 1811-1820
Why doesn't this apply to fashion as well? "Empire" is a slightly earlier style than "Regency", yet in English everything is referred to as "Regency" and in Northern Europe everything is referred to as "Empire". I have different styles in mind when I hear the two styles being mentioned, just like bustle VS natural style. Am I the only one?
I'm back to studying now, I just had to ask....