French Woman and a Young Girl – Autumn 1855

Victorian Autumn Fashion Trends in 1855 French Engraving

This mid-19th-century French fashion plate from the Journal des Jeunes Personnes showcases the elegant outdoor attire popular during the autumn of 1855. The hand-colored lithograph features two aristocratic women and a young girl styled in voluminous crinoline-supported skirts and tiered layers. Notable historic garments include a lavender tiered gown adorned with black silk trimmings, a rich chestnut-brown dress paired with a dark mantlet cloak, and a vibrant emerald green children’s dress with structured ruffles. Accessories like the matching satin bonnets with pink ribbons and a delicate green parasol capture the peak of high-society Victorian wardrobe design.

Historical French Style Plate for 19th-Century Garments

Published in Paris, this authentic seasonal illustration serves as a prime example of historical costume design and textiles from the Second French Empire. The composition highlights the distinct contrast between the structured bodices of women’s daywear and the playful, shorter flounces of Victorian children’s clothing. Detailed lace collars, undersleeves (engageantes), and heavily embroidered garment borders reflect the meticulous craftsmanship of 1850s Parisian dressmakers, making this print a valuable visual resource for fashion historians, period costume designers, and collectors of antique art.