La Mode Illustrée, Journal de la Famille, 1882 1882

This print from 1882 comes from ‘La Mode Illustrée,’ a popular French fashion journal published by Firmin-Didot & Cie. The journal provides us a window into the fashion and domestic culture of the French upper-middle class during the late 19th century. The print depicts two women in elaborate dresses, showcasing the latest styles. These dresses, with their complex designs and luxurious fabrics, reflect the era's emphasis on ornamentation and refinement. France, at this time, was a global center for fashion, and journals like ‘La Mode Illustrée’ played a crucial role in disseminating these trends. By studying such publications, and related sources like letters, diaries and trade records, we can gain insight into the aspirations, values, and material conditions of the people who consumed them. Moreover, the journal itself represents an early form of mass media that shaped consumer culture. This allows us to consider how fashion was not just about personal adornment, but also about social identity and economic power.