The Transformation of European Fashion

Did you know… that following the French Revolution, which began with the Storming of the Bastille in 1789, and the proclamation of Napoleon Bonaparte as Emperor in 1804, European fashion underwent profound transformations?

The luxury and extravagance of the Ancien Régime gave way to an aesthetic inspired by ideals of simplicity, comfort and naturalness, influenced by English clothing and Classical Antiquity.

In men’s fashion, sober and functional garments became increasingly popular, such as the English-inspired coat, long trousers, boots and neckerchiefs, marking a shift towards modern menswear.

In women’s fashion, the Empire style stood out, characterised by a high waistline just below the bust, simply cut skirts and lightweight fabrics, such as muslin and cambric, inspired by Greco-Roman statuary. Necklines were wide, and short sleeves were often complemented by long gloves and shawls to protect against the cold.

Bibliographical references:

AA. VV. (1990). La Mode en France 1715-1815 : De Louis XV à Napoléon Ier. Paris: La Bibliothèque des Arts.

BOLLON, Patrice (1990). Morale du Masque : Merveilleux, Zazous, Dandys, Punks, etc. Paris: Éditions du Seuil.

MÉSANGÈRE, M. de la - Journal des Dames et des Modes, Paris : s.n., 1795-1839. ROCHE, Daniel – La culture des apparences : Une histoire du vêtement XVIIe-XVIIIe siècle, Paris : Fayard, 1991. UZANNE, Octave – La Femme et la Mode : Métamor-phoses de la parisienne de 1792-1892. Paris : Librairies-Imprimeries Réunis, 1892.

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