À la mode: The 18th century art of appearances

This past week in Dijon, France, I got to see the most wonderful exhibition on 1700’s French fashion. This exhibit was in the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon, a beautiful fine art museum in the former palace for the Dukes of Burgundy.

There was so much to learn in this exhibit and what an opportunity to be able to see in person the styles women wore 300 years ago!

What I walked away with was really enlightening and gave me a lot to chew on. Not only that, but I think will influence my style and perhaps it will for you, too!

So let’s dive in…

There was a “Fashion Phenomena” that took place in the 1700s in painting and clothing (and not just for aristocracy). Painters were the original “couturiers,” as they were able to show off women's styles through their paintings and portraits.

If you compare it to today, painters were the original fashion photographers! (How neat is that?!)

French luxury fashion ruled the European courts. Paris was becoming the fashion capital of the world! It was the model to imitate and wasn’t just for the aristocracy… The rising class wished to be represented in the finer fashion styles, as well.

Because there was more demand for these fashion styles (thanks to the painters and rising class), the job of the fashion merchant evolved with it. Fashion merchants were predominantly women, who would work with stores and bring clothes to her customers.

(Sounds a little like the Style Club, doesn’t it?)

Awareness of luxury fashion styles spread through paintings depicting who was wearing what where, and with it, a new sub-category of fashion paintings, the tableaux de modes, a term invented by one of France’s leading history painters, Rococo easel painter and tapestry designer, Jean-Francois de Troy.

Just a few years later, the first fashion magazine, called “La Gallerie des Modes,” was published in 1778. Readers could find the latest dress styles, along with hairdos and accessories. And just like today’s fashion magazines, it also carried articles not specifically related to fashion.

Here are a few of the paintings and dresses that I saw on display. As they did for me, perhaps there will be some elements that inspire you to use them in your own wardrobe.

I’ll share my three takeaways with you here:

Fabric is a game changer! Even if you are wearing something casual on the bottom, combining it with a luxurious fabric on your upper half can make such a difference (and remember, you don’t need a lot -just a few pieces that you can put through rotation during the season)

2. You can never flatter the body so easily and femininely as you can with a dress! They are always so lovely, light and airy!

3. Little details are everything! Embroidery, lace, a brooch, pleat or ruffle, each can add that perfect je ne sais quois!

Here are some images to provide you with some inspiration of your own. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on these fashions in the comments!