The Costume History: From Ancient Times to the 19th Century

2015

Special Collections GT510 R27413 2015

[Germany]: Taschen
With kind permission © 2015 TASCHEN GmbH, Hohenzollernring 53, D-50672 Köln, www.taschen.com

Fashion, as a modern concept, had its beginnings in 18th century Enlightenment Europe, particularly at the French Court. Marie Antoinette (1755-93), the extravagant wife of Louis XVI, set the standard for what was considered fashionable; these fashions then radiated out across the rest of Europe. Auguste Racinet’s Costume History contains examples of the ‘over-the-top’ styles popularised by Marie Antoinette – impractical wigs and headwear (les poufs) worn with elaborate dresses. Today, Paris is still at the very centre of all things fashionable.