Gazette of Fashion, August 1865 1865

This fashion plate, ‘Gazette of Fashion, August 1865’ was made in London using a printmaking technique. Look closely, and you'll see delicate lines and subtle color gradations achieved through lithography, a process that allows for the reproduction of intricate designs. These garments were the products of skilled labor, from the weaving of the fabric to the tailoring of the clothes. Yet the print is not just about individual craftsmanship. It speaks volumes about the burgeoning fashion industry and the advent of mass production, even at this early date. These magazines helped to disseminate trends to a wide audience, fueling a culture of consumption. Consider the contrast between the bespoke appearance of these clothes and the printmaking process used to create the image. It shows how industrialization and new marketing strategies were changing the way people related to their clothing, and to class itself.