Petit Courrier des Dames, 1828, No. 594 : Toque de Blond (...) 1828

This fashion plate, printed in 1828, offers a glimpse into the textile industry of the early 19th century. It's made with a now-obsolete printing method called stipple engraving, with added hand-coloring. The image presents two fashionable women in elaborate dresses, complete with a feathered toque and a Kashmir shawl. The attention to detail suggests a great investment of labor, from the growing and processing of raw materials like cotton, silk, and wool to the skilled work of weavers, dyers, embroiderers, and dressmakers. The text identifies the garment fabrics as ‘gros de Naples brodé’ and ‘pallas en Cachemiriene’ showing the importance of place and region. The plate also tells us the addresses of the magasins where they were sold. It’s a reminder that fashion was not just an aesthetic pursuit, but a complex system of production, trade, and consumption, fueled by the labor of many. This image highlights the way fashion can embody social and economic structures. It’s a fascinating lens through which to consider the relationship between art, craft, and the broader forces of capitalism.