Petit Courrier des Dames, 25 août 1847, No. 2290 : Chapeau des Mns de Mme Dass (...) 1847

Jean-Charles-Michel Barreau created this print, Petit Courrier des Dames, in 1847, capturing the height of Parisian fashion. Here we see the fashion plate epitomizing the desires and aspirations of women in 19th-century France, a period marked by distinct gender roles and social expectations. The attire of these women speaks volumes about their status, class, and the performance of femininity. Note the intricate details of the gowns - the bonnets, the ruffles, the embellishments - each element underscores the importance of appearance. Fashion plates not only showcased the latest trends but also subtly enforced the era's social norms, dictating how women should present themselves to maintain their position in society. What emotions do these images evoke in us today, considering our own relationship with fashion and identity?