French Fashion During the Revolution and the Reign of Terror

Inspired by recent scholarship on fashion's role as a reflection of the political, social, economic, cultural, and aesthetic aspects of its time, this series looks at the changing nature of “la mode,” the players (mistresses, queens, designers, and influencers) who drove French fashion during the pivotal years of the monarchy and the revolution. Beginning with the eras of Louis XIV and XV, explore the impact of style and attire on all aspects of court life, including the role of taste-makers such as Madame de Montespan and Madame de Pompadour. Consider Marie Antoinette's impact on changing accepted fashion norms at the dawn of the revolution. Then examine the new group of fashionistas such as Rose Beauharnais (soon to be Josephine Bonaparte) and Térézia Tallien, who radically transformed society with their daring choices of attire from the Reign of Terror through the Napoleonic era.

This lecture will focus on French Fashion During the Revolution and the Reign of Terror.