India, July 8 -- From corseted waists to confidently bared bellies, fashion has always mirrored society's evolving relationship with the body. Today, midriffs are having a major moment, seen everywhere from runways and red carpets to everyday street style. The belly, once concealed, is now celebrated. But rewind to the Victorian era, and it was a different story altogether. Women were expected to keep their figures hidden beneath layers of fabric and tightly laced corsets, with modesty reigning supreme. (Also read: Schiaparelli debuts creepy 'alive' heart necklace at Paris Couture Week; internet says 'what in Stranger Things is this' )

Content creator Mae Sharifi often shares fascinating history throwbacks with her Instagram family. In h...