French Fashions – Autumn 1847

Les Modes Parisiennes: 1847 French Equestrian and Outdoor Promenade Attire

Published in September 1847, this original hand-colored lithograph from the famous French gazette Les Modes Parisiennes depicts specialized elite women’s garments for outdoor activities. The idyllic rural setting features rolling hills, a tranquil river, and a stone architectural element wrapped in greenery. On the left, a woman models a sophisticated tailored side-saddle riding habit, known historically as an Amazone, crafted from charcoal grey wool with structural lapels, paired with a matching draped skirt and a rigid top-hat adorned with a flowing white veil. Beside her, the second figure showcases an exquisite peach-toned promenade dress featuring dense vertical ruffles along the bodice and skirt, paired with a massive white lace-fringed shawl that drapes over her arm as she points toward the scenic view.

Historical Riding Habits and Millinery: Intricate Veils, Bonnets, and Ruffled Trims

This mid-19th-century fashion plate serves as an invaluable visual record for the highly specialized construction of Victorian sportswear and formal daywear. The illustration provides great detail on the structured 1840s headwear, contrasting the masculine-inspired equestrian hat and flowing veil with a delicate, close-fitting cottage bonnet embellished with bright red floral accents underneath the brim. The meticulous rendering of the riding whip, long tight sleeves with white undershirts, and the intricate tiered layers of the peach dress highlights the exceptional precision of Parisian engraving techniques. This collectible print provides essential primary documentation for textile curators, theater costumers, and antique art collectors studying historical dress codes.