Fashions – Summer 1845

1845 French Fashion Engraving from Journal des Demoiselles 13th Year

This authentic hand-colored lithograph captures a sophisticated outdoor scene from the mid-19th century, published during the 13th annual run of the iconic Parisian periodical Journal des Demoiselles circa 1845. The vintage print portrays two upper-class women stroll through a classical garden setting featuring a stone pedestal and mature trees. This specific plate beautifully illustrates the contrast between high-society afternoon attire and practical promenade wear, presenting a soft cream ruffled dress alongside a vibrant teal-blue pleated gown structured with a modest, high-necked silhouette.

Early Victorian Afternoon Dresses and Summer Millinery Trends

Highlighting the delicate details of warm-weather 1840s tailoring, this historical fashion illustration showcases a lightweight, drop-shoulder evening or afternoon dress adorned with a long pink silk waist ribbon and a matching fringed summer shawl. The companion figure displays an elegant daytime walking costume paired with a distinctive flat straw hat tied with dark ribbons, holding a small pocket book or card case. Serving as a pristine primary source for historians, historical reenactors, and antique print collectors, this rare archival piece offers rich contextual vocabulary for early Victorian textile studies.