Journal des Dames et des Modes, Costumes Parisiens, 15 septembre 1833, (3112): Chapeaux de gros de naples (...) 1833

This fashion plate, crafted by August Delvaux in 1833, showcases Parisian women adorned in the latest styles. The most striking element is the elaborate lace collar, a motif that echoes across centuries. Think of the ruffs of the Renaissance, those starched, circular collars that framed the faces of monarchs and nobles. Like those earlier ruffs, these lace collars denote status and refinement. But here, the softness of the lace and the floral embellishments introduce a new sensibility, hinting at the burgeoning Romantic era. This evolution reflects a shift in societal values, from rigid hierarchies to a more nuanced expression of identity. The lace collar is a powerful cultural artifact, a testament to the enduring human desire for beauty and distinction. Its cyclical reappearance reminds us that fashion, like history, is never truly linear, but a constant process of remembering, adapting, and reinventing.