Revue de la Mode, Gazette de la Famille, dimanche 25 décembre 1881, 10e année, No. 521: Gants de la Parfumerie Ninon (...) 1881

E. Cheffer made this fashion plate for the Revue de la Mode in 1881. It’s a lithograph, meaning the image was drawn on a flat stone, treated to hold ink, and then printed. The lines are crisp and clean, but look closely, and you’ll see a subtle texture created by the stone’s surface. This process allowed for detailed reproduction, ideal for showcasing the latest Parisian styles. Consider the time and labor involved in creating these garments: the weaving of the fabrics, the meticulous sewing, the delicate lace work. The image captures not just the fashions themselves, but the vast network of skilled labor that supported the industry. Fashion plates like this one fueled the engine of consumption. They offered a glimpse into an aspirational world, encouraging readers to participate in the ever-changing cycles of taste. This artwork is not just about pretty dresses; it is about the social and economic forces that shape our desires.