Journal des Demoiselles, 1 avril 1885, No. 4514 : Chapeaux de Mme Boucheri (...) 1885

This is a print from the Journal des Demoiselles, dated April 1, 1885, showcasing hat designs. The composition is neatly arranged, featuring six profiles of women, each adorned with a different hat. Delicate lines and soft colors, such as pastel blues and pinks, create a sense of elegance and refinement, typical of fashion illustrations of the period. The formal structure here points to the semiotic codes of the late 19th century. Each hat is a signifier of status, taste, and femininity, and each elaborate design suggests a complex language of social meaning. Note how each is carefully constructed, with ribbons, lace, flowers, and feathers, assembled to reflect the era's emphasis on elaborate ornamentation. Consider how these images, beyond their practical function, acted as cultural texts, shaping and reflecting the values of their time. The very act of display turns fashion into a form of communication. They invite us to consider how art can both reflect and construct our understanding of beauty and identity.