Les Modes Parisiennes, 1856, No. 689 : Costume d'homm (...) 1856

This fashion plate by A. Portier, printed in 1856, shows the height of Parisian style. Look closely and you’ll see an image not just of fashion, but of the labor and materials that made it possible. Consider the fabrics: the man’s finely tailored wool coat, the woman’s lace shawl, and the girl’s elaborate dress, likely cotton. All of these textiles were produced through complex supply chains, reaching to sites of extraction like cotton plantations, and manufacturing centers where cloth was woven and lace was made. These garments weren't just purchased; they were assembled. Seamstresses and tailors invested hours in cutting, sewing, and embellishing each piece, embedding the clothing with their own labor. Prints like these fueled the fashion industry, stoking the desires of a growing consumer class. So the next time you see an image like this, remember to look beyond the surface, at the intricate web of making that underpins even the most stylish appearance.