Ladies’ Hairstyles During the French Invasions

Did you know that… during the period of the French Invasions of Portugal (1807–1811), women’s hairstyles reflected the fashions of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, influenced by the Empire style, popularised in France during the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte?

“Hairstyles were very elaborate, some reaching immense heights. Ladies frequently wore headdresses or turbans, some of which were reminiscent of those worn by the Mamluks. (…)Feathers, tulle, fine muslin, diamonds, and gold and pearl hairpins: these were the most commonly used ornaments in women’s elaborate evening dress during this period, not to mention the simple wreaths of natural or artificial roses worn over abundant hair, which were certainly no less elegant.”

Bibliographical reference:

BENAVIDES, Francisco da Fonseca — No Tempo dos Franceses [In the Time of the French]. Lisbon: Tribuna, 2008, pp. 236–237.

Image reference:

Ackermann, Rudolph (ed.). Fashion Plate, “Evening or Full Dress”, for The Repository of Arts. London, 1 June 1810. Hand-coloured prints. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), Accession No. M.83.161.148.

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