Le Follet Courrier des Salons, Lady's Magazine, 1833, No. 244: Bonnet fanchon (...) 1833

This fashion plate comes from an issue of “Le Follet Courrier des Salons, Lady’s Magazine,” published in London in 1833. These kinds of magazines weren’t just about fashion, they offer insights into the social and cultural values of the time. The image presents two women adorned in elaborate dresses, bonnets, and accessories. We can read these details, like the puffed sleeves and delicate lace, as visual codes that signify status and refinement. Magazines like "Le Follet" played a key role in shaping and disseminating these ideals. They offered a glimpse into the world of high society, while reinforcing notions of femininity, class, and consumer culture. By studying the material culture of the 1830s - things like fashion plates, etiquette manuals, and advertisements - we can gain a deeper understanding of the values and aspirations of the time. Fashion wasn’t just about clothes; it was a powerful form of social expression.