Petit Courrier des Dames, 1828, No. 581 : Chapeau de crèp (...) 1828

This fashion plate, printed in 1828 in Paris, showcases the height of Romantic-era fashion, dominated by the opulent hats adorned with feathers. The feathers, symbols of status and extravagance, echo throughout history, reminiscent of ancient Egyptian headdresses signifying power and divinity. In this print, the towering arrangement of plumes carries a psychological weight, reflecting aspirations of the wearer as they engaged in a societal performance. Like the peacock's display, these feathers signaled social ambitions and perhaps, a yearning for admiration. Yet, the cyclical nature of fashion, a constant dance between restraint and excess, reminds us of the ephemerality of such symbols. What once signified allure may transform into a marker of bygone eras.