The History of Fashion in France by Augustin Challamel is a historical survey of women's dress and fashion in France, from the Gallo-Roman period to the nineteenth century. It examines changing styles, materials, ornaments, and social customs. It is worth listening to for its broad view of how clothing reflected culture and daily life.
For teachers and schools: paste the code into your site or blog.
Cover of the original edition (Project Gutenberg, public domain).
Text source: gutenberg.org · The work is in the public domain.
Opening of the book
THE HISTORY OF FASHION IN FRANCE. THE HISTORY OF FASHION IN FRANCE; OR, THE DRESS OF WOMEN FROM THE GALLO-ROMAN PERIOD TO THE PRESENT TIME. FROM THE FRENCH OF M. AUGUSTIN CHALLAMEL. BY MǡǪ. CASHEL HOEY ĵƿŠ Mǡ. JOHN LILLIE. London: SAMPSON LOW, MARSTON, SEARLE, & RIVINGTON, CROWN BUILDINGS, 188, FLEET STREET. 1882. [All rights reserved.] LONDON: PRINTED BY GILBERT AND RIVINGTON, LIMITED, ST. JOHN’S SQUARE.
CONTENTS. PAGE INTRODUCTION. Various definitions of fashion—The grave side of its history —Quotations from the poets—Character of Frenchwomen—The refinement of their tastes and fancies—Paris the temple of fashion—The provinces— Mdlle. Mars’ yellow gown—The causes of fashion—A saying of Mme. de Girardin’s—A remark of Mrs. Trollope’s—The dress of actresses—Earliest theories of fashion—The Gynæceum of Amman—First appearance of the “Journal des Dames et des Modes”— Lamésangère—Other publications—An anecdote concerning dolls—Plan of the History of Fashion in France 1 CHAPTER I. THE GALLIC AND GALLO-ROMAN PERIOD. Gallic period—Woad, or the pastel—Tunics and boulgètes —“Mavors” and “Palla”—Cleanliness of the Gallic women—The froth of beer or “kourou”—The women of Marseilles; their marriage-portions—Gallo-Roman period—The Roman garment—The “stola”— Refinement of elegance—Extravagant luxury of women —Artificial aids—A “vestiaire” or wardrobe-room of the period—Shoes—Jewels and ornaments—The amber and crystal ball—Influence of the barbarians 13 CHAPTER II. THE MEROVINGIAN PERIOD.
Readnara
