Decorative Packaging

Interestingly, the demand for ribbon was one of the things which gave way to the Industrial Revolution. In the 1770s, the Dutch engine loom allowed six types of ribbon to be manufactured simultaneously. This was a production breakthrough which came right on cue for ribbon to be used to adorn the towering wigs which were in fashion in the European courts.

In contrast, in the American colonies, ribbons were rarely worn. It is speculated that this could be due to religious beliefs of the time, or in quiet rebellion against the wasteful extravagance of Europeans.