Revue de la Mode, Gazette de la Famille, dimanche 14 novembre 1880, 9e année, No. 463: Toilettes de M.elles Vidal (...) 1880

This fashion plate by E. Cheffer, titled ‘Revue de la Mode,’ was created for a French family gazette in November 1880. The magazine reflects the aspirations of the rising bourgeoisie in late 19th-century France, where fashion became a marker of status and identity. These aren't just dresses; they represent a whole set of social values and expectations for women. Notice the corseted silhouettes, which enforce a certain posture and control over the female body, reflecting the era's emphasis on women's roles as decorative objects. The women are presented in the trappings of artistry and refinement: with easels and canvases nearby, suggesting cultivation and leisure. This image doesn't just present fashion; it subtly reinforces the social norms and gender roles of the time, inviting us to reflect on the complex interplay between clothing, identity, and societal expectations. It encourages us to consider how fashion can both reflect and shape our understanding of ourselves and others.