A La Mode 1828

"A La Mode" is a print made by Thomas Rowlandson in the late 18th and early 19th century in England, a period marked by rigid social hierarchies and the burgeoning culture of satire. Rowlandson uses caricature to critique the excesses of high society. The exaggerated hairstyles and elaborate dresses, while fashionable, verge on the absurd, reflecting a society preoccupied with appearances. Consider how the women are the primary targets of Rowlandson's satire; their identities are almost entirely consumed by their adherence to fashion. There's also a subtle commentary on class. The pursuit of "A La Mode" was largely confined to the upper classes, highlighting the growing social divide. The print invites us to consider how fashion can both liberate and constrain, reflecting the complexities of identity within a specific historical context. Ultimately, Rowlandson’s print captures a moment in time, prompting reflections on how we perform our identities through the clothes we wear.