Journal des Dames et des Modes: Ladies’ Fashion

After the turbulent years of the French Revolution, in 1797 a fashion magazine was finally published again: the Journal des Dames et des Modes. Under the direction of Pierre de La Mésangère, it developed a cosmopolitan flair. The very best draughtsmen were recruited to produce the fashion illustrations, called Costumes Parisiens. They visited spots all over Paris to ensure they saw the latest styles. These included high-waisted gowns with low necklines, ‘Greek’ slippers with cross-laces 1, genuine Kashmiri shawls 2, reticules 3 (small stylish handbags), poke bonnets 4 and full-length English coats knowns as redingotes 5.