Petit Courrier des Dames, 15 avril 1828, No. 49 / No. 547 : Chapeau de paille de riz... 1828

This fashion plate, made around 1828 in France, shows the latest hat styles for fashionable women. These images come from "Petit Courrier des Dames," a popular magazine of the time. The magazine was not just about clothing, it was about constructing social identity. The image presents an idealized version of femininity, with a particular emphasis on conspicuous consumption. Each hat is meticulously detailed, adorned with ribbons, flowers, and fine materials, underscoring the importance of appearance in elite social circles. Magazines like this one contributed to the rise of consumer culture and played a role in shaping gender roles. To fully understand this image, a social historian might research the fashion industry of 19th-century Paris, the rise of department stores, and the growth of advertising. We can consider the ways that fashion both reflected and reinforced social hierarchies of the time. This plate tells us a great deal about the aspirations and values of its intended audience.