Mode de l'année prochaine 1825 - 1835

Charles Philipon created this lithograph entitled "Mode de l'année prochaine" – or "Fashions of the Coming Year" – at an unknown date. It's a humorous take on fashion trends. Consider the context: Philipon was working in 19th-century France, a society obsessed with appearances, status, and the latest styles. The print media of the time, like Philipon's work, both fueled and critiqued this obsession. Notice the exaggerated silhouettes. The puffed sleeves and wide trousers are pushed to absurd extremes, hinting at the ridiculousness of chasing after ever-changing trends. The title itself suggests a forward-looking, almost frantic, desire to be ahead of the curve. As historians, we can look at sources like fashion plates, magazines, and social commentaries to understand the norms Philipon is satirizing. The image is not just about clothes; it's about the social pressures and anxieties surrounding them. It prompts us to reflect on how fashion reflects and shapes cultural values.