Napoleonic Pleasures : 19
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Fashion / 2nd Republic / 2nd EmpireWoman’s dress. Taffeta and silk. France, c.1869.
Woman’s dress. Taffeta and silk. France, c.1869. This gown bears the name of Madame Vignon, who was a known dressmaker to Empress Eugénie at this date and indeed, supplied the gown worn for Eugénie's religious marriage. Previous to 1857 all dyes used for the colouration of fabric were of organic origin; it was during this year […]
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Fashion / 2nd Republic / 2nd EmpireWomen in mourning
Women in mourning Just as in any other situation in 19th century society, what one wore when in mourning had strict rules to which one was obliged to adhere. Like today, black played a dominant role in what women in 1853 wore after a loss. During the initial months, clothing was to be in wool and […]
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Fashion / Directory / 1st EmpireDress of muslin embroidered with wool. Circa 1808.
Dress of muslin embroidered with wool. Circa 1808. At the time of the first Empire fashions had streamlined to such an extent that the lightest and most delicate of fabrics were employed in day wear as well as evening wear. The gown depicted in this image represents the ideal in neo classical dress.1 Throughout the eighteenth […]
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Fashion / 2nd Republic / 2nd EmpireSteel frame crinoline
Steel frame crinoline Nothing encapsulates more the idea of industry meeting fashion than the steel frame or 'cage' crinoline: the 'first great triumph of the machine age'.1 Previous to its inception women had thrust their skirts outwards with the aid of multitudinous layers of petticoats of varying weight and composition.2 As observed with mauve, this […]
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Fashion / Directory / 1st EmpireThe female outfit during the First Empire
The female outfit during the First Empire Paris was the fashion capital during the Consulate and Empire. While it is true that a “good taste” in clothing was founded on the preferences of those in power, fashion was also a movement that belonged to a certain elite that was trying to forget the dark days […]
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Fashion / Directory / 1st EmpireTwo influences on male fashion
Two influences on male fashion Under the Empire, the male figure is solid, but still just as elegant as its female counterpart. A black frockcoat sits on the shoulders, and a white cravat is knotted around the neck. He wears a pair of pumps (without heel) and finally a top-hat or bicorne adorns the head. […]
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Fashion / 2nd Republic / 2nd EmpireFashion for one’s villa (June 1855)
Fashion for one’s villa (June 1855) This apricot-coloured silk dress is composed of two skirts, each decorated with small flounces which come together at the front so as to form an apron. The flounces are so arranged as to form a point. The first skirt has five flounces, the second four. The body is high, […]
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Fashion / Directory / 1st EmpireExample of Parisian fashion (March 1806)
Example of Parisian fashion (March 1806) “Pearls are so 'in' these days that they are preferred to diamonds. […] Combs are hardly worn, flowers are similarly out of favour and often only used to provide decoration for horses. However, certain topknots have been seen with a tightly bound bunch of flowers which covers the whole […]
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Fashion / Directory / 1st EmpireThe Fashions of the Day, or Time Past and Present (1740-1807)
The Fashions of the Day, or Time Past and Present (1740-1807) “The Fashions of the Day, or Time Past and Present” is an 1807 caricature engraved by Charles Williams after a drawing by Woodward. It presents a contrast between “The Year 1740: A Lady's full dress of Bombazeen (i.e. bombazine or bombasine, a heavy corded […]