La Mode de Paris, septembre 1833, No. 6 : 1. Robe de mousseline brodé (...) 1833

Gabriel Xavier Montaut d'Oleron created this print, "La Mode de Paris", in 1833 to be included in a Parisian fashion magazine. It gives us a glimpse into the aesthetic values and social structures of the time. Fashion plates like this weren't just about clothes. They were powerful tools for circulating ideas about femininity, class, and national identity. The elaborate dresses, with their emphasis on delicate fabrics and ornate details, reflect the opulence of the upper classes in France during the July Monarchy. They suggest a life of leisure and refinement. The image's focus on Parisian style also speaks to France's dominant role in the fashion world. The fashion industry helped to shape cultural values and promote consumerism, but what impact did it have on working conditions and gender roles? Researching historical fashion magazines and economic data from the period, we can better understand the complex relationships between art, commerce, and society in 19th-century Paris.