Fashions – Autumn 1845

Journal des Demoiselles French Octobre 1843 Romantic Promenade Gowns

This original hand-colored steel engraving from the October 1843 edition of the famous Paris periodical Journal des Demoiselles captures an elegant outdoor garden scene. The illustration displays two high-society French women modeling contrasting mid-19th-century garments. The standing figure on the left showcases an opulent evening or formal dinner dress in a brilliant sea-green or turquoise satin, featuring an off-the-shoulder neckline, a tightly corseted pointed bodice, and a voluminous crinoline-supported overskirt layered beautifully over a contrasting cream silk underskirt panel.

Antique Striped Outerwear and Early Victorian Garden Party Millinery

The companion figure on the right provides unique insights into the rigorous outdoor autumn visiting etiquette of the July Monarchy. She wears a striking yellow and white horizontally striped day dress layered with an elegant emerald green wool mantle shawl or capelet featuring fringed edges. Her look is completed by an architectural straw capote bonnet adorned with oversized interior red silk roses and a bold yellow ribbon bow tied under her chin, offering costume curators, vintage print dealers, and textile historians an impeccable visual index of early Victorian accessories and Paris styling.