Fashion
~ Pre -revolution
~Sumptuarylaws
~Post-revolution
~Fashion in Les Mis
Restaurants
~Rise
in Popularity
~Economic and Social
Symbolism
~Representation
in Les Mis
Gardens ~17th
Century ~18th Century
~19th Century ~Versailles
Gambling ~Pre-Revolutionary
~Cafés &
Cercles
Opéra
& Theatre
~The
Revolution
~Social
Status
~Politics
~Les
Misérables
Etiquette ~Promenade
~Dances ~Dinner
~Casinos and Salons
Bibliography ~Fashion
~Etiquette ~Restaurants ~Opéra
~Picture Bibliography
|
|
|
"Paris
etatit une ville ou on jugeait par l'apparence, il n'ya
point de pays au monde ou il soit plus facile d'en imposer."
Casanova, Memoires
(click on pictures for
source information)
|
|
|
| Never
anywhere else was it so easy to impersonate a member of the nobility
as it was in France during the 18th and the 19th centuries and no
one so single-mindedly pursued this goal as did the social climbing
bourgeoisie. |
|
|
|
The
Sumptuary Laws
Clothing
according to class
|
|
Constisted
of eighteen decrees that were passes between 1485 and 1660
intended to protect the noble appearance from imitation.
"Prohibiting
absolutely categorically all persons, commoners, non-nobles
... from assuming the title of nobility either in their
style or in their clothes"
Roche.
Over
time the Sumtuary Laws were relaxed, allowing the Bourgeoisie
to imitate without recrimination.
|
|
| |
|
The
French Revolution
|
| Some
argue that the French Revolution was staged by the Bourgeoisie
in order to usurp the noble's status. To keep this alterior
motive hidden - to save their lives - the Bourgeoisie had
to struggle against their consuming desire to show-off their
wealth They demonstated their "loyalty" to the revolution
by wearing appropriate clothes - not too rich, not too poor. |
|
| |
|
| Finally
the Bourgeoisie were completely free to give in to the strong
current of immitation. Indeed, it was socially mandated they
do so. For this was the time of conspicuous consumption -
the clothes really made the man. |
|
|
