La Mode, 5 octobre 1847 : Chapeau de M.lle Labord (...) 1847

This fashion plate, titled "La Mode," was created by Florensa de Closménil in October 1847 using printmaking techniques. It presents two women dressed in the height of fashion, showcasing the era’s material culture and the labour involved in its production. The image is a window into the textile industry of the time, revealing the artistry of dressmaking and the social status of the wearers. The dresses, with their elaborate designs, required skilled labour to produce. Consider the weavers who created the fabrics, the dyers who gave them color, and the seamstresses who assembled the garments, each contributing to the final product. The print is not just a representation of fashion; it's a reflection of the complex interplay between aesthetics, labour, and social class. It reminds us that clothing has always been about more than just utility; it’s a form of expression, a marker of identity, and a testament to the human ingenuity and effort that goes into its creation.