Nouveau Journal des Dames, 1821, Pl. 16 : Robe de gros d'hiver (...) 1821

This fashion plate comes from the "Nouveau Journal des Dames," published in Paris in 1821, at a time when fashion magazines were a key instrument in the construction of femininity and class distinction. The print presents a "robe de gros d'hiver garnie de chicorée," a winter dress trimmed with chicory, alongside a "chapeau de satin orné de fleurs," a satin hat adorned with flowers. The subject is a woman, likely of the upper class, dressed in the latest style. Note the high waistline, a silhouette popularized during the Empire period. The dress is adorned with frills, emphasizing a look of luxury and refinement. Consider the socio-economic context: fashion was not just about aesthetics, but about signaling social status in a rapidly changing society. The "Nouveau Journal des Dames" played a crucial role in dictating these trends, shaping women's identities, and reinforcing societal norms and expectations. This image reflects the constraints and aspirations of women in the 19th century.