Engravings of fashion at the time of Marie-Antoinette - Pocket mirror

These different engravings illustrate the fashion during the reign of Louis XVI, giving precise details : ample dresses in taffeta or satin, embellished with lace, beads, garlands and tassels. The voluminous hairstyles, powdered in white, are topped by a "pouf" decorated with feathers and aigrettes.

The Queen can be recognized among the young ladies of the court. She is wearing a violet coat adorned with gold fleur-de-lis, while her hair is adorned with pearls, aigrettes, flowers and diamond pins.

Marie-Antoinette adored the poufs and hats designed by her milliner Rose Bertin, who became the Queen's source of inspiration within a few years. Whenever she chose a dress or a hairstyle, fashionable ladies immediately copied the model.

Marie-Antoinette, more or less, dictated fashion. She was severely reproached for her extravagant spending on clothes and jewels.