Journal des Dames et des Modes, Costumes Parisiens, 30 novembre 1832, (3036): Chapeau-béret (...) 1832

This is an engraving of two women, published in France, in the Journal des Dames et des Modes in 1832. These fashion plates were a popular medium for circulating ideals of beauty and social status. Consider the historical and cultural contexts of post-revolutionary France. These images were part of constructing and reinforcing bourgeois identity, illustrating the new economic and social order after the French Revolution. Here, fashion becomes a marker of class, a visual language of distinction. Notice the details of their garments: the elaborate hats adorned with plumes, the velvet robes, and the luxurious fur stole. How do these details reflect the social and economic status of the wearers? The image invites us to reflect on the power dynamics inherent in fashion and representation. It shows how clothing, seemingly a personal choice, is deeply embedded in broader social and political structures. Ultimately, this fashion plate is not just about clothing; it’s about identity, aspiration, and the complex interplay between individual expression and societal norms.