Petit Courrier des Dames, 25 février 1829, No. 619 : Coiffure Exécutée Par M.r Croizat... 1829

This fashion plate was created anonymously in 1829, using engraving and hand-coloring. It's printed on paper, but depicts silk and gold embroidery, along with other high-end materials. Consider the labor involved in producing such a garment. From silkworm cultivation to spinning, weaving, and finally embroidery, each step would have been carefully executed by skilled hands. The density of the embellishment, along with the implied luxury of the fabrics, speaks to a culture of conspicuous consumption, where social status was visibly proclaimed through dress. The print itself, as a means of circulating fashion trends, also played a role in this economy. It’s a reminder that clothing has always been a complex interplay of material, making, and social context. By considering the full life cycle of these garments, from production to consumption, we gain a deeper understanding of their cultural significance. It encourages us to look beyond aesthetics and recognize the social and economic forces shaping our material world.