Elegantia, of tijdschrift van mode, luxe en smaak voor dames, Januari 1808, No. 33: Boucles d'oreilles en Palmier agatisé... 1808

This print, made in 1808 by an anonymous artist, showcases the height of women's fashion in a Dutch magazine. Note the delicate ribbons adorning the dress. Ribbons, originally functional, evolved into potent symbols of status and refinement. Think of the lavish bows in Rococo portraits, declarations of wealth and taste. These sartorial choices reflect not only the social values of the time but also deeper psychological desires for beauty and recognition. The string, knot, and ribbon motifs are ancient visual devices used in a range of contexts across cultures and time periods to symbolize bonds of love, friendship, and memory. This seemingly simple adornment is deeply embedded in our collective unconscious, eliciting feelings of connection and aspiration. Fashion, then, is a mirror reflecting our innermost selves. It's a continuous dialogue between past and present, where symbols resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings.