Petit Courrier des Dames, 1829, No. 632 : Chapeau de crèp (...) 1829

This is a fashion plate from the Petit Courrier des Dames, printed in Paris in 1829. The image presents two women modeling the latest styles, reflecting the rise of consumer culture and the fashion industry in 19th-century France. Note the careful attention to detail in the rendering of fabrics and embellishments, intended to appeal to a wealthy female audience eager to stay abreast of current trends. The plate served as a form of advertising, promoting specific shops and dressmakers located on the fashionable Boulevard des Italiens. Such imagery offers insights into the social norms and aspirations of the time. Fashion was not merely about clothing, but also about signaling status, wealth, and adherence to prevailing ideals of femininity. These images played a crucial role in shaping those ideals and fueling the engine of consumerism. To understand the social conditions surrounding this fashion plate, one might consult period newspapers, fashion magazines, and business directories. This helps us to interpret the work in its full social and institutional context.