Le Bon Ton, Journal des Modes, 1846, 12e Année, 2e Vol. 17e Liv. No. 29 : Bonnet & Chapeau (...) 1846

Tony Goutière created this print for 'Le Bon Ton, Journal des Modes' in 1846, capturing the fashion of the French upper class during the July Monarchy. The print offers a window into the aspirations and constraints of women during this period. The elaborate dresses and bonnets, while symbols of status, also speak to the limited roles women were allowed in society, often confined to the domestic sphere and judged by their appearance and social graces. The women are depicted indoors, perhaps suggesting their restricted freedom of movement and expression. Fashion, then as now, became a means of communication and social identity. Details, such as the choice of color, the layering of fabrics, and the intricate designs, reflected not only personal taste but also an understanding of cultural codes and expectations. 'Le Bon Ton' documents the material culture of the era, revealing the complex interplay between identity, gender, and social status. It invites us to reflect on how clothing shapes our perceptions and experiences.