18th Century Dress for Women in France - Term Paper Example

18th Century Dress for Women in France Introduction The 18th century is considered as changing, singular and revolutionizing era for dress that has turn out to be an iconic time in the history of fashion industry. The French fashion at the time of Rococo and Regency is described by an assured, well-lit and pastel freedom of mind. In 18th century, everyone is trying to emulate the style of the king and try to be fashionable. There has been rapid alteration on French women dresses in the eighteenth century. French women used to wore skirts that were draped over frames and buoyant dresses that are considered to drift around them. The prime purpose of this essay is to explore how French fashion for women has become prevalent towards shaping the European dresses. Critical review of sources This part of the paper is based on critical review of all sources implemented to focus on 18th century fashion in France First source The latest volume by Daniela Tarabra named European Art of the Eighteenth Century presents the artistic concepts and artists at the time of 18th century 9 (Tarabra, 2008, p.81). The emergence of the Rococo style initiated in French interior and architectural design. The book tries to highlight several dress wore in 18th century. The author stated that Elizabeth used to wear extravagant hat and silk dress made of ivory fastened at the waist.The book emphasize on naturalistic and emotionalism forms. These forms have been used in Baroque style and dominated the 17th century. The pictorial presentation on artistic concepts is vividly described in the book. The book provides general overview about art history in the 18th century. It also contains some color and lavish pictures. Some of the most glorious art of the world are effectively presented in the book. But some of the descriptions are very comprehensive. The book states that it provides valuable descriptive insight about century art. But it lacks in descriptive part. It is quite surprising to see that there was no room for important French artist like jean-Baptiste pater and Edme Bouchardon. Second source The book named Dress in Eighteenth Century Europe is a beautiful edition by Aileen Riberio. The book tries to portray and survey dresses worn by people in upper and middle classes. Furthermore, Aileen Riberio tries to discuss clothes work in the 18th century in terms of identity and social definition (Riberio, 2002, p.19). This edition focuses to present the evolution the masquerade, fancy dresses and ready-made clothes. The detailed explanation of every clothes has been well-researched. It sometimes becomes difficulty for people to imagine how dress would have looked like. Some of the basic clothing construction and terminology could have been effectively presented with the help of pictures. The lack of varied pictures made more difficulty for people to imagine. The shortcomings of pictures can be one of the primary limitations of this source. Third source The book Costume and Fashion by Andrew Tucker, Amy de la Haye and James Laver provides classic study on clothing. This source provides classic guide about development of Neolithic weavers and blue denim to some of the leading terms in the fashion industry (Laver, 2012, p.38). Furthermore, it covers the materials and forms used throughout the centuries. The way in which dresses has been used in 18th century to attract, to identify and protect from others. The source includes multiple terms that are not being defined and described. Andrew Tucker covered the part of discussion the reinvention of several luxury brands in the 1990s. Some of the European designers are turning their head towards classical French houses in the 18th century. The fashion culture and historical background on France is precise but not descriptive. Fourth source The book Art- the definitive visual guide by Andrew Graham Dixon aims to provide readers with thousands of different understandings of art. On the process of experiencing art, the book art tries to make art gallery and world of museum more accessible and enjoyable (Graham-Dixon, 2008, p.141). Several important artists from France have been effectively described in this edition. The visual guides on art industry in 18th century are succinct and informative. The flavor of art culture, period and art movement is being effectively introduced in the source. The absence of decent index for various artists has been one of the limitations of the source. Some of the major gaps reading the important on art in France and Britain have being covered. Russian artists have also been vital for history of arts. But little information has been discussed on behalf of Russian artists. Fifth source The book Patterns of Fashion by Janet Arnold illustrated and presented core collections of fashion drawings, designs and style from the period 1660 to 1860 (Arnold, 1989, p.42). The patterns for costume construction has been placed and arranged by Janet Arnold. The importance of French fabrics and fashion styles is being incorporated within English culture. The transformation of gowns, dresses, shawls and accessories from other European fashion countries like France has been effectively focused on the source. Some of the actual pictures from garments in 18th century are missing from the book. The wearing of wigs has started at the time of Louis XIV. Moreover, some other extravagant styles that have been introduced by French Royal court are ignored by the author. Contexts During the time of World War II, most of the fashion houses were forced to close. The occupation of Paris let to the shutdown of many fashion stores like Maison Chanel and Maison Vionnet. In this new political criteria, small government was created by Philippe Petain named Vichy France promoted new athletic young and robust woman. From the death of Louis XIV, the social and economic condition was on downfall. During the time of late 1730s, there has been improvement towards the economy of France. This heavily affected several fashion industries in France. The culture of France can heavily influence the rate of productivity and creativity within fashion industry. Development of dress At the time of Louis XIV reign, France was heavily associated with style and fashion. The design of French dresses came into prominence during the time of 15th and 20th century. Since the origin of modern haute couture and since 17th century, the fashion industry has seen artistic development and considered as significant cultural export of France. The purpose of the report is to present vivid explanation about the development of French dress in eighteenth century. Hair styles At the time of 18th century, the fashion industry in France has seen complete overhaul in case of styling. The style Fontange was regarded as transformed style. This style was common at the beginning of eighteenth century. In terms of Fontange style, hair is required to be piled on head of a woman. Furthermore, hair is decorated with help of several items like birds, fruits, jewelry, feathers, etc. The Incroyables hair are often falling on ears and are sometimes shoulder length. After the time of 1720, the Sheep head was leading hair style for women. This type of hair style was viewed as more natural style with large parts and small loops of hair in the neck. In the year 1770, the true icon of French fashion, Marie-Antoinette opted to carry hair style as tail of a peacock. This hair style does not require any strand and hair loop. Marie-Antoinette led to the commencement of the new era of wigs in fashion industry. The evolution and introduction of wigs have lasted for a century. Fabrics and patterns The printed fabrics used in France in known as toiles peintes and also called as indiennes. During the time of French Revolution, the cockade is regarded as one of the most pivotal features and revolution in the fashion industry. The cockades were made from ribbon or fabric. Toile is observed one of popular type of fabric from France. In the late 18th century, the antique fashion prints has been widespread. The ras de saint cyr was one of the fabrics produced at the time of 18th century. This is used for upholstery and garments. Moreover, ras de saint cyr is created with four-harness weave by French serge. The yellow satin dress known as Caraco was one of the most common style of dress in France. In the last half of 18th century, the patter of silk used for production of dress with severely ribbed green silk is known as Dauphine. The merging fashion plate visualizes the increased presentation of using plain fabrics for dresses. During the time of 1770s, the introduction of satin, twill weaves, shot silk taffeta and plain silk taffeta has again gained its prominence in France. In 18th century, the silhouette is defined as the simpler line of dress, conically corseted court dress and rectangular panniered launched in the era of France dress revolution. The beginning of the 18thcentury has been dominated by the mantua. The dressmakers who used to make dresses with mantua are known as mantua makers. This introduction of mantua has become useful and beneficial for Louis XIV. The dress was alternative towards the worryingly heavy structured court dress. By the time of 1770s, the outline, shape and silhouette of the skirts were effectively removed from squared off panniers. The creative workforce, culture influence and artistic guidance has been primary sources for the foundation or understructure of French fashion industry. Accessories Most of the accessories and body decorations primarily used in 17th century are continued to be same in the 18th century. At the end of French Revolution between 1789 and 1799, many people especially woman used to hide their glittering jewelry. This political alteration has led to the beginning of new fashion trends. People used to weak plainer styles at the end of French Revolution. At the time of mourning or celebration, neck ribbons were considered as popular accessories used by both French aristocrats and women. In 18th century, most of the people believed that oils help to protect their bodies from harmful diseases and keep them healthy. The stink of tainted and unclean body parts were covered by small bouquets, nosegays and smelling perfume. The evolution and introduction of new attractive accessories were primarily adopted by Merveilleuses and the Incroyables. French women used to carry fashionable accessories such as pocket watches, parasols, fans, gloves, hand-warming muffs, reticules, handbags and handkerchiefs. During the time of summer, some women used to wear silk masks to protect their skin from sun rays. On the other hand, black masks are used by French women to keep them warm in the time of winter. English dress From the beginning of 18th century, there has been lot of alteration, changes in lifestyle and fashion of English people. The old-fashioned classical era of ancient Romans and Greeks are much more admired by the people of England. There has been lot of emphasis on natural flow of figure and line. On the other hand, the France fashion culture was mostly focusing on development of new trends and style. The period between 1690 and 1770 is known as Rococo period. The color black is described as Spanish fashion. The black gained approval by most of the Protestant countries. Furthermore, it has been gained acceptance by North Germany, England, etc. on the other hand, France has not gain acceptance with Spanish fashion black. The Fashion introduced from Spain states that how style of wearing clothes can be positively adapted and received in different traditions. Additionally, this has minor impact towards France. Nevertheless, England has effectively incorporated the Spanish Fashion for its appropriateness in ceremonial and festival purposes. In France, the introduction of middle class dress was categorized by less expenditure and less amplification. During the time of 18th century, the nobility dress was introduced. For women, tight laced bodices and comprehensive extensive hood skirts were introduced. England also incorporated and introduced the concept of affectedness cultured by nobility. Conclusion This can be concluded that at the time of 18th century, the artistic and fashion knowledge was at peak. This reflected the fact that there has been rapid developed in fashion industry. During the time of French revolution and Enlightenment, the improvement in makeup and hair style at second half of 18th century has become potent signs of aristocracy. References Arnold, J., 1989. Patterns of fashion. London: MacMillan. Graham-Dixon, A., 2008. Art : the definitive visual guide. London: Dorling Kindersley. Laver, J., 2012. Costume and Fashion: A Concise History. London: Thames and Hudson. Riberio, A., 2002. Dress in 18th Century Europe: 1715-1789. London: Yale University Press. Tarabra, D., 2008. European Art of the Eighteenth Century. Los Angeles: Getty Publications. Read More