Magasin des Demoiselles, 25 juillet 1855 1855

This is a fashion plate called "Magasin des Demoiselles," made in 1855 by J. Desjardins using a printmaking technique. At this time, the fashion industry was just beginning to industrialize. These plates were the Instagram of their day, circulating images of the latest styles to a growing consumer audience. Look closely, and you'll see the attention given to the dresses. Notice their volume, achieved with layers of petticoats, and the variety of trimmings and embellishments. These details speak to the skilled labor required to produce such garments. While the print itself could be produced relatively quickly, the dresses represent a tremendous amount of handwork in spinning the fabrics, weaving, dyeing, cutting and especially sewing. The rise of fashion was very much tied to new systems of production and distribution. While the elite could afford bespoke garments made entirely by hand, the middle classes could aspire to keep pace with the latest styles through printed images like this one. The "Magasin des Demoiselles" gives a glimpse into the burgeoning world of consumer culture and its connection to both industrialization and the persistence of handcraft.