Journal des Gens du Monde, Modes Paris, décembre 1833 : Toilette de Promenad (...) 1833

This fashion plate, created in Paris in December 1833, showcases the "Toilette de Promenade," or walking dress, of the time. The fur-trimmed coat, a luxurious and overtly ornamental item, is the most striking feature. Consider the prominent display of fur – a symbol of wealth and status since antiquity. We see it not only as a practical garment for warmth, but as an emblem of social standing. Throughout history, fur has adorned rulers and elites, from ancient Egyptian pharaohs to medieval monarchs. This is seen in countless portraits and tapestries. In this image, the woman’s fur trim serves a dual purpose. It is also a kind of self-protection, creating a barrier between her private self and the outside world. This echoes the psychological concept of the ‘persona,’ a mask we wear to navigate social interactions. As it appears here, the fur is an external representation of an internal state, a means of engaging with and shielding oneself from the gaze of society. The cyclical nature of fashion, constantly revisiting and reinterpreting past styles, is a testament to the enduring power of these symbols and their psychological weight.