Nouveau Journal des Dames, 1821, Pl. 18 : Redingotte en mousseline des Indes (...) 1821

This is a hand-colored engraving from the Nouveau Journal des Dames, printed in Paris in 1821. It presents a fashion plate of a woman in a light pink "redingotte," or riding coat, made of Indian muslin. Fashion plates like this one offer a glimpse into the social codes of the early 19th century. The luxurious fabrics and delicate embroidery speak to the wealth and status of the wearer, marking her as part of the elite. But it also points to the global reach of French fashion, with textiles sourced from India, a reflection of colonial trade networks. The woman’s posture and serene gaze are carefully constructed to convey an image of refined femininity. In this historical moment, fashion was not just about aesthetics, but also a powerful tool for women to negotiate their identities within a patriarchal society. The detailed rendering invites us to consider the artistry and labor involved in creating these garments, and the complex ways in which fashion shaped the lives of women, both as consumers and creators.