Toilettes de Mme. L. Massieu, from La Mode Illustrée 1881

Adèle-Anaïs Toudouze created this fashion plate for "La Mode Illustrée," showcasing the height of Parisian style. The print was made using a combination of engraving and hand-coloring, a labor-intensive process that allowed for the intricate details of the garments to be captured. Look closely, and you will see the complex layering and trimming of each dress, from the ruffles to the lace. The image offers us a glimpse into the world of haute couture, where the creation of fashionable garments involved teams of specialized seamstresses, embroiders, and other artisans. Their skilled labor was essential to the fashion industry of the 19th century. The print is more than just a pretty picture: it's a document of a complex economic system, where the desires of wealthy consumers fueled the work of countless individuals. By paying attention to the making of this image, we can appreciate the social and economic forces that shaped both fashion and art.