Journal des Demoiselles, 1 mars 1895, No. 5031 : Toilettes de Mme Taskin (...) 1895

P. Deferneville created this print for the Journal des Demoiselles in France in 1895. It shows the latest fashions for upper-class children, reflecting the values and aspirations of the French bourgeoisie. The image presents a carefully constructed vision of childhood innocence and refinement. The clothing emphasizes formality and adherence to social norms. Note how the clothing is not only fashionable but also practical, designed to prepare children for their future roles in society. The presence of birds, flowers, and garden imagery reinforces the notion of childhood as a time of purity and harmony with nature. The print served as a guide for affluent parents seeking to dress their children in a manner that reflected their social status and cultural values. To understand such images better, historians consult fashion plates, periodicals, and social histories to understand the relationship between clothing, identity, and power in the late 19th century.