La Mode Illustrée, 1883, No. 31 : Toilettes de la M.on Fladry (...) 1883

Charles Rabouille created this print, 'La Mode Illustrée, 1883' using a combination of engraving and hand-colouring techniques. It's a fashion plate, intended for circulation among affluent women, dressmakers, and tailors. The material of the print itself—paper—is less important than the information it conveys. It's all about the textiles: silks, ribbons, and lace. Look closely, and you'll notice the extraordinary labor that went into these dresses, each a unique creation that screams exclusivity. The print served as a vehicle for circulating aspirational ideas about dress, but also as a promotional tool for the fashion industry. It reflects the complex relationship between art, commerce, and the burgeoning culture of consumption in the late 19th century. The amount of hand work and hand labour involved in the production of each gown, from weaving to garment making, reflect the social context of labour and the work force during the late 19th century. This artwork challenges traditional notions of fine art by highlighting the economic, labour and cultural significance of fashion.