La Mode, ca. 1860, Pl. 248 : Rubaneries de La Ville de Lyon (...) c. 1859 - 1861

Louis Berlier made this print around 1860 in France, showcasing the height of Parisian fashion. This wasn't just about pretty dresses; it was about power, class, and the booming textile industry of Lyon. The image creates meaning through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. The extravagant gowns, complete with frills and ribbons, signal wealth and leisure. The women are positioned in a manicured garden, a space of privilege and display. Consider Lyon's silk industry at this time, a major economic force. Publications like 'La Mode Illustrée,' where this image appeared, fueled consumer desire and shaped social aspirations. We can delve deeper by exploring fashion plates from the period, examining textile manufacturing records, and studying the rise of department stores. By understanding these factors, we see how art reflects and reinforces the social structures of its time, even in something as seemingly frivolous as fashion.