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The early court days of Marie-Antoinette
Portrait of Marie Antoinette, by Jean-Baptiste Gautier-Dagoty, 1775 A classic example of Marie-Antoinette’s style while at the height of her days in court. A large wig with feathers and bows, while her dress is very intricate and lowcut with wide panniers. Even without the presence of the globe and the regal scenery behind her, her power is clear from how she has dressed herself. -
Marie-Antoinette's Chemise
Marie Antoinette in a Chemise Dress, by Elisabeth Louise Vigee Le Brun, 1783 This painting showcased how she dressed while away from the public eye-that is, in simple garments like this chemise-but was met with wide criticism when released to the public. Not only was it seen as her pretending to be a commoner, but her dress was made of silk, which still highlighted the wealthy lifestyle she lived. -
The Rational Dress Society
A newspaper article clipping from The Northern Echo in England, 1883 The Rational Dress Society set out a series of requirements that would create “the perfect dress” in 1881, all of which went against many long standing traditions in the making of women’s dresses. The most notable were the first and second criterion, which the Society connected to not wearing a corset. -
Suffragettes Marching
A group of suffragettes marching, ca. 1910 As they march with signs hanging around them, these women not only suit sets, but their skirts are at ankle’s length. These were both forms of rebellion as it was not common for women to wear such masculine articles of clothing, and it had only recently started becoming normalized to have such a short skirt. -
The influence of Coco Chanel
Gabrielle Chanel and her dog Gigot at La Pausa, 1930 This was a common style for Chanel throughout her life, featuring the wide legged pants and Breton stripes she is credited with popularizing. These both represented a much more relaxed style for women, with the pants being inspired by women working in factories and the top being made of a popular knit for French sailors in the 19th century. Chanel’s style influenced women across the world to dress in a more simple yet elegant way.