Revue de la Mode, Gazette de la Famille, dimanche 25 avril 1880, 9e année, No. 434: Toilettes de la M.on Duboys (...) 1880

A. Chaillot created this fashion plate, titled "Revue de la Mode, Gazette de la Famille," in Paris in 1880. It offers us a glimpse into the fashion ideals and social norms of the late 19th century. These elaborate dresses weren’t just pretty; they were statements of identity, reflecting a woman’s social standing and adherence to the era's strict codes of femininity. Note the intricate detailing, the corseted silhouettes, and the luxurious fabrics, all designed to present an image of refined elegance and domesticity. Yet, beneath the surface of such images lies a complex interplay of gender, class, and power. These garments both empowered and confined women, dictating their roles in society while simultaneously serving as expressions of personal style and status. Consider the emotional weight of these garments, the expectations they carried, and the lives of the women who wore them. Chaillot’s fashion plate serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate ways in which clothing shapes our identities and reflects the cultural values of its time.