A Couple in French Fashions – 1809

Early Regency Costume Parisien and Consulat Era Formalwear 1802

This authentic 1802 hand-colored engraving, plate number 24 from the legendary French fashion periodical Journal des Dames et des Modes, masterfully illustrates the minimalist neoclassic style of the post-Revolutionary Consulat era. The single-frame print displays a fashionable couple poised in an intimate social stance. The gentleman showcases premier tailoring of the early 1800s, modeling a rich chestnut brown wool double-breasted cutaway tailcoat featuring a high stiff M-notch collar, a layered white starched cravat neckcloth, and sky-blue fitted breeches tucked cleanly into high leather riding boots.

Antique French Empire Dress Design with Late Georgian Tailoring

Standing with her back partially turned, the lady showcases an elegant column-like white muslin Empire waist gown. The dress is highly distinguished by its intricate multi-layered chérusque ruff collar over the shoulders and a meticulously detailed geometric embroidered hemline with matching red silk footwear. Her Grecian-inspired coiffure is neatly gathered beneath a textured sage-green silk mesh hairnet or cap, accented with long ice-blue evening gloves that define European high-society ball attire of the Napoleonic period. Complete with the original Costume Parisien title typography, this rare archival lithograph is a critical visual document for researching early 19th-century textile histories.