<P> In the early stages of the fashion for the bustle, the fullness to the back of the skirts was carried quite low and often fanned out to create a train . The transition from the voluminous crinoline enhanced skirts of the 1850s and 1860s can be seen in the loops and gathers of fabric and trimmings worn during this period . The bustle later evolved into a much more pronounced humped shape on the back of the skirt immediately below the waist, with the fabric of the skirts falling quite sharply to the floor, changing the shape of the silhouette . </P> <P> The bustle reappeared in late 1881, and was exaggerated to become a major fashion feature in the mid and late 1880s, in 1885 reaching preposterous proportions to modern eyes, as used in the play Arms and the Man by George Bernard Shaw . The fashion for large bustles ended in 1889 . </P> <P> The bustle then survived into the 1890s and early 20th century as a skirt support was still needed and the stylish shape dictated a curve in the back of the skirt to balance the curve of the bust in front . The bustle had completely disappeared by 1905, as the long corset of the early 20th century was now successful in shaping the body to protrude behind . </P> <P> Bustles and bustle gowns are rarely worn in contemporary society . Notable exceptions occur in the realm of haute couture, bridal fashion and Lolita Fashion . A dress in the bustle style may be worn as a costume . For example, in 1993 Eiko Ishioka won an Academy Award for her costume designs from Bram Stoker's Dracula . The film features several extravagant bustle gowns created for female leads Winona Ryder and Sadie Frost . (though the film states it is 1897, a time when the large bustles depicted would have disappeared years ago . Films like "The Bostonians", "Topsy Turvy" or "Age of Innocence" depict a more realistic fashion) </P>

When did the bustle go out of style