Nouveau Journal des Dames, 1821, Pl. 8 : Robe et Chapeau de gros de naples (...) 1821

This fashion plate, published in the Nouveau Journal des Dames in 1821, depicts a dress and bonnet made of gros de naples, trimmed with satin. Gros de naples is a fine, closely woven silk, known for its subtle ribbed texture and ability to hold vibrant colors. These materials speak volumes about the wearer’s social status. Silk production was complex, involving the cultivation of silkworms, the labor-intensive process of reeling silk threads, and skilled weaving. These fabrics were available to the upper classes, for whom fashion was a way to display wealth and taste. Consider the work involved in creating this garment. Not only the weaving of the fabric itself, but also the precise cutting, sewing, and embellishment. Fashion plates like these provide insight into the labor and materials that went into the production of fashionable garments in the 19th century. Appreciating this context allows us to challenge the traditional hierarchy between art, craft, and design, and to recognize the cultural significance of everyday objects.