Les Modes Parisiennes, 1879, No. 1762 : Spécialité de Costumes (...) 1879

P. Deferneville’s print, “Les Modes Parisiennes, 1879”, captures a moment of poised elegance through delicate lines and subtle colors. The composition, divided vertically, presents two figures in distinct attire, setting up a visual dialogue between the bridal white and the muted blue. The artist's use of color and line invites us to decode a semiotic system of signs, the lace signifying purity and the cut of the dresses indicating status. The very texture of the print—achieved through lithography—adds a layer of meaning, the softness of the lines enhancing the garments' luxurious feel. Deferneville's attention to detail underscores the cultural codes at play, reflecting the values and aspirations of Parisian society. It prompts us to consider how clothing functions as a language, communicating ideas about gender, class, and modernity. The artwork stands as a testament to the ways in which fashion both embodies and shapes cultural identity.