Les Modes Parisiennes, 1851, No. 433 : Robes de Mme Celes (...) c. 1851

William Hopwood made this print, Les Modes Parisiennes, in 1851. It depicts the latest fashions in Paris. What might seem at first glance like a simple illustration of clothing styles actually reflects the complex social and cultural dynamics of mid-19th century France. The image creates meaning through visual codes associated with the upper classes. Consider the attention to detail, the elegant designs, and the leisurely activity depicted. These visual cues signal a specific social status, reflecting the values and aspirations of the bourgeoisie during this period. The print also suggests the rise of consumer culture and the fashion industry. Publications like Les Modes Parisiennes played a crucial role in shaping and disseminating fashion trends, contributing to the growth of a market-driven economy. To understand this print fully, we can consult primary sources such as fashion magazines, catalogs, and social commentaries from the period. These resources offer insight into the cultural values, economic forces, and institutional structures that shaped the production and reception of fashion in 19th-century Paris.