Petit Courrier des Dames, 1827, No. 458 : Chapeau Berret en crèpe... 1827

Here is the reading for the audio guide: This fashion plate, made in 1827, showcases the styles of Paris, featuring elegant hats and gowns adorned with elaborate details. Note the prominent use of feathers, ribbons, and bouffant sleeves, symbols of luxury and sophistication during the Restoration period. The feathers, particularly the marabou on the hats, echo the Winged Victory of Samothrace. A classical symbol of triumph and status, here, they are reborn as an emblem of aristocratic refinement. Consider, too, the ribbons, tied into bows, a motif stretching back to ancient Greece, signifying bonds of love and beauty. It’s fascinating how these symbols reappear, transformed yet still resonant, in the ever-repeating cycles of fashion and culture. These elements engage us on a subconscious level, evoking feelings of aspiration and admiration. They are powerful forces, these images, aren't they? These visual elements are not static; their meanings evolve and are continuously reinterpreted throughout time.