Le Moniteur de la Mode, 1889, Nr. 2532c, No. 19 : Toilettes de Mad.e Duboys (...) 1889

This fashion plate, number 2532c from *Le Moniteur de la Mode* in 1889, was made by A. Portier using printmaking techniques. This publication was not just about showing the styles of the moment, it was also about selling them, and its production was part of a growing fashion industry. Look at the image closely: the dresses are meticulously detailed, capturing the textures and patterns of the fabrics. Fashion plates like this one relied on skilled artisans who could translate the latest designs into reproducible images. The linear precision suggests etching or engraving, processes demanding careful labor to capture the nuances of each garment. Consider the social context: these elaborate costumes, meant for the fashionable elite, represent a significant investment of labor and materials. From the weaving of the fabrics to the construction of the garments, countless hands were involved in bringing these designs to life. By examining the materials and processes behind this image, we recognize the deep connections between fashion, labor, and consumption in the late 19th century. It challenges the hierarchy between art and craft, highlighting the artistry embedded in everyday objects and practices.