The tiresome Finette, in a Juste à la Suzanne and coiffed en Figaro, holding with as much skill as negligence a country rose which is intended to please her. (1784) Here is the costume of Mlle Contat who played the role of Suzanne in the Marriage of Figaro: "Her dress for the first four acts … Continue reading Galerie des Modes, 44e Cahier, 2e Figure
Galerie des Modes, 44e Cahier, 1ere Figure
The prudent Amazon in the full Figaro outfit, advancing with a circumspect air to the grove where she must find her lover: but taking care to be perceived. (1784) "The Marriage of Figaro or the Mad Day, by Beaumarchais, played, with a keen success, for the first time by the actors of the Comédie Française … Continue reading Galerie des Modes, 44e Cahier, 1ere Figure
Galerie des Modes, 43e Cahier, 6e Figure
The voluptuous Beauty, taking alternately perfect love* and ices, waiting for pleasures more worthy of her: her coiffure is à la Contat,** and her gown à l'Anglaise. (1784) Ices. - "This artificial frozen treat is a tonic, a delicious refreshment: a ice-maker is a veritable artist, who only still exists in the great cities. Outside … Continue reading Galerie des Modes, 43e Cahier, 6e Figure
The Myth of Chanel and the 1920s: Introduction
In November 1919 pictures of Gabrielle Chanel's chemise dress had filled the pages of Vogue: 'A gown that swathes the figure in straight soft folds, falling at the sides in little cascades.' The editorial commended Chanel's reliance on an uncluttered natural beauty, with a dress that showed only a slender pair of shoulder straps holding … Continue reading The Myth of Chanel and the 1920s: Introduction
Galerie des Modes, 43e Cahier, 5e Figure
The Flower of the Harvesters walking to contemplate the Summer products without considering anything else: she is in a chemise à la Floricourt,* and coiffed with a hat à la Ceres.** (1784) Trimming made by Mlle Bertin for the Baronne de Benkendorff. "1783, August 4. - A grand robe en chemise of spotted linen batiste, … Continue reading Galerie des Modes, 43e Cahier, 5e Figure
Mimic of Modes 