The empire waist reshaped fashion in the early 19th century. It borrowed from classical antiquity and rejected the ridgid styles of the 18th century. While the fashion looked more relaxed, the 19th Century Empire Dress in Printed or Striped Cotton Townsends Regency Inspired Shirred Bodice Empire Waist Mini Dress in Black Regency Fashion History 1800 1825 Beautiful Pictures Empire Line Dresses Afternoon dress 1892 House of Worth French Worth was known for including historical references from his research and this dress is an exceptional example of his skill. This dress combines 17th century and Empire Regency epochs of fashion: Costume and Dress throughout History