The history of 18th century fashion

XVIII century in history - a chronicle of grandiose sunsets royal dynasties and tragedies revolutions. In the history of fashion and the XVIII century it was revolutionary: the fall of the royal houses, and a new era of nascent capitalism led to the abandonment of traditional costume, only marginally changed over the centuries and the emergence of fundamentally new trends.

Historians of the XVIII century was called "gallant" age - in France, have consistently impact on the world of fashion, a new, carefree era that followed the reign of Louis XIV, so firmly established in the fashion light, sophisticated suits and dresses. Together with them an integral part of the way society ladies were tall, powdered wigs, snow-white skin, which women achieved with the help of the same powder and white leather underlines the tiny flies. The most popular of the French fashionistas considered skirts on a frame of wicker or whalebone, so-called "petticoat". In the days of Marie Antoinette society ladies wore "petticoat with elbows" - due to the special frame skirt laterally expanded, acquiring a characteristic symmetrical elevation. Are still valid at the beginning of the XVIII century corset bodice lifted the chest, making it more tempting.

A significant number of new trends in the fashion world owes the French queen Marie Antoinette, had the reputation of this trendsetter. In particular, it was Marie Antoinette, known in history as a passionate lover of the French finery, introduced the fashion for high hair - sometimes reaching a height of over one meter, hair Hair: structure, characteristics of growth and development   ladies decorated with a variety of items: feathers, flowers, ribbons, jewels, being almost more decoration woman than her outfit. Furthermore, with the light hand of the French queen in vogue bustles, is a kind of pad just below the waist on the back panel of the lower part of the skirt - thanks to a "cushion" created a distinctive silhouette with deliberately convex lower part of the body.

The democratization of fashion

Of course, the glitz and luxury of the royal house of France, could not cause the growing discontent of ordinary citizens - the economy (not least because of the extravagant spending of Marie-Antoinette and her husband-king) was in very bad condition, France is rapidly impoverished and It was conceived in a society oppressive power, which gave a start, in the end, in the revolution. In just three years, the absolute monarchy of France, who ruled the country for centuries, collapsed in the society originated new foundations, and with them - and a radically new fashion.

Bourgeois society originating in France and neighboring Britain, called for a new fashion - the answer unjustified luxury of the aristocracy was the formation of new styles and silhouettes, builds on the practicality and comfort. The democratization of fashion company is obliged, by and large, the United Kingdom - the formation of a new class, the bourgeoisie, led to the appearance of clothing that no longer has a peculiar symbol of social status. In contrast to the luxurious clothes of the aristocracy, such clothing was sewn from fabrics is much more democratic - satin, silk and delicate embroidery replaced practical woolen fabrics and skirts - concise, simple shapes.

The return to antiquity

The last decade of the XVIII century marked a new trend in the culture - the advent of neo-classicism style, influenced not only fashion, but also in painting, architecture, sculpture. Thanks to neo-classicism came into vogue antique style, a return to the classical canons, given the ancient era. Petticoat skirts, corsets, along with virtually disappeared from the female wardrobe, and they were replaced by strict, laconic fashion designs mainly of plain fabrics.

A distinctive feature of the woman's dress was the end of the XVIII century, a discreet, easy silhouette and tight skirt with high waist Skirt with high waist: new old silhouette , Contrasted with lush skirts on a frame, fashionable some two decades ago. Gradually, women abandoned high heels in favor of the shoe is much more practical, comfortable on a flat sole.

Tatiana Smirnova

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