Journal des Dames et des Modes, Costumes Parisiens, 20 juin 1832, (2993): Chapeaux de crêp (...) 1832

Curator: Let’s examine this print, titled "Journal des Dames et des Modes, Costumes Parisiens, 20 juin 1832," created by Georges Jacques Gatine in 1832. It presents two women adorned in the fashion of the day. Editor: Oh, the hats! Enormous yet delicate. They’re like spun sugar caught in a summer breeze, and the way those lacy collars cascade… it feels so opulent, so self-assured. Almost like saying, "Yes, I'm fabulous. Deal with it." Curator: The work exemplifies Romanticism through its depiction of genre, focusing on everyday life, especially regarding women and fashion, with meticulous detail. I wonder what this journal, found “Place de la Bourse,” would reveal about their aspirations. Editor: Aspirations of ribbons and lace, perhaps! Seriously though, beneath the frippery, there’s this real longing for self-expression. Clothes were power, weren’t they? A language only understood by those 'in the know.' It's funny how much emphasis there is on the face; it shows an acceptance for femininity in this era. Curator: Precisely. Analyzing such imagery allows us to explore themes of femininity, status, and societal expectations of women in 19th-century Paris, particularly as this publication could reinforce the standards against which all women will compare themselves. What kind of person really gets into lace? Editor: The kind who’s got enough time to fret about its arrangement! But you know, sometimes I think the real statement isn't "look how rich I am", but something subtler, more personal. "Look how clever I am with putting this look together." Or sometimes "This helps me hide and fit in." Curator: Right, clothing acts both to signify social standing but simultaneously obfuscates our internal and personal lives from society. Editor: Exactly! Who says fashion's shallow, eh? It contains many, many possibilities. I love to ponder how these women saw themselves when viewing a similar publication. Curator: Examining fashion plates such as these allow a glimpse into complex cultural dynamics, and how different materials become signifiers for so much more than merely clothing. Editor: Makes you wonder what they’d make of our obsession with ripped jeans and athleisure! So fun and thoughtful, thanks!