Journal des Dames et des Modes, Paris, May 15, 1803.
“Costume de Grande Parure.”
In French prints, “Grande Parure” corresponds to “Full Dress” in British prints. This magazine always includes a section of current fashion trends, but almost never describes the fashion prints beyond the short description at the bottom. This print is a lucky exception as it is actually described in the text. Translated, it says this:
“Natural hair. Pearl bandeau. Flesh-colored tunic, adorned with lilac embellishments. Elbow length gloves. This costume was designed for a Society Ball.”
What is not described is the white under-dress with short puffed sleeves edged with ruffles. The hemline is shorter than what we see in evening dresses at this time. But almost all French prints of ball dresses show a shorter length. Perhaps that was to make it easier to dance without tripping over one’s hems, or perhaps the shorter length was simply to show off fabulous dancing slippers, as here.
The “elbow-length gloves” seem to be much longer, riding well above the elbow and seemingly tucked under the short puffed sleeves.
This print was designed by the famous Parisian artist Carle Vernet, and engraved by Pierre Baquoy.
