Gallerie des Modes et Costumes Français, 1778, K 59 : Demoiselle habillée en Caracot (...) c. 1778

Nicolas Dupin created this print, ‘Demoiselle habillée en Caracot’ in 1778, as part of the ‘Gallerie des Modes et Costumes Français’. Fashion plates like this one capture the sartorial obsessions of the French aristocracy just before the revolution. The towering wig and elaborate dress indicate the wealth and status of the woman depicted. Yet, the print also reveals the growing influence of fashion magazines and the commercialization of style. Published in Paris, this print reflects the city's role as a center of fashion and luxury. The emphasis on detail, from the lace trim to the delicate flowers held by the model, speaks to the values of the French court. But it also speaks to the rise of a consumer culture, with prints like these helping to fuel demand for the latest styles. Historians can use sources like fashion plates, periodicals, and account books to understand the social and economic forces that shaped fashion. This print reminds us that even seemingly frivolous images can offer insights into the culture and institutions of their time.