Petit Courrier des Dames, 1857, No. 3178 : Robes de Gagelin (...) 1857

M. Gervais created this fashion plate, titled 'Petit Courrier des Dames' in 1857 using printmaking techniques. It showcases two women in elegant dresses, typical of the era's high fashion. Now, while this image appears simple, it represents a complex web of labor and production. The dresses themselves, made from fabrics like silk and lace, would have involved numerous skilled artisans: weavers, dyers, seamstresses, and embroiderers. Each of these processes carries its own cultural significance, passed down through generations of makers. These fashion plates were a form of early advertising, promoting the latest styles to a growing consumer class. The rise of industrial manufacturing meant that textiles were becoming more readily available, fueling a desire for fashionable clothing. The artistry in the print highlights the skill and artistry involved in creating these garments, while also subtly reflecting the social and economic structures that made their production and consumption possible. Appreciating the craft and context invites us to reflect on how fashion intertwines with the larger story of labor, class, and consumption.