19th century French fashion – times that are back in the Petit Pas collection

The rule “New is well forgotten old” in fashion works like nowhere else. Cut, silhouette, costume elements that were admired for decades and centuries ago, suddenly regain popularity – sometimes in a reimagined form, and sometimes in a primordial form.

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We present three current trends that were presented to us by French fashion of the 19th century – some of them found their embodiment in the clothes of the famous brand Petit Pas, which recently presented its new collection “Silver”.

Empire style

The Napoleonic era allowed French women of fashion to breathe freely – in the most literal sense of the word. Powdered wigs, tight corsets, heavy dresses with crinolines are already a thing of the past, and the Victorian style has not yet had time to bring them back.

At the beginning of the 19th century in France, and then in other countries, ladies wore flowing dresses reminiscent of antique tunics – preference was given to light colors and light fabrics. The style was borrowed from antiquity – now the name “Empire” also refers to the empire of Napoleon, and then it was associated with Ancient Rome.

Today, the Empire style is more relevant than ever – dresses with a high waist and a straight free cut can be seen on the stars walking the red carpet, and on brides, and on any woman who prefers loose styles, including at home.

For example, brand Petit pas, specializing in the production of premium-class clothing and footwear for home and leisure, has recently launched its Silver collection, where one of the central models is a graceful Empire-style shirt. Aristocracy and sophistication are given to it by the interweaving of two noble shades: twilight blue envelops with coolness and gives a feeling of calm and serenity, and impeccable black emphasizes the perfection of proportions.

Shawl

The shawl came into French fashion along with the Empire style – in light dresses, which were worn even in winter, it was rather cold, and this accessory was used not only for decoration, but also saved from chills.

Shawls were adored by Napoleon’s first wife Josephine Beauharnais – and naturally, the first lady of France was a trendsetter. Josephine herself had about 400 shawls, mostly of cashmere and silk. By the way, at the beginning of the 19th century, not everyone could afford a cashmere shawl, and it often cost more than the outfit itself.

By the middle of the century, cheap cashmere imitations began to be produced in England, and then the shawl became a universal accessory. However, not even an accessory, but a full-fledged element of clothing – often they were simply put on a criss-cross on a dress, receiving an impromptu warm blouse.

In the XX century, shawls were forgotten for some time – they began to be considered outdated and provincial. But fashion has made another round, and rightfully returned them to their rightful place.

In the spring season of 2019, a fashion trend is noticeable – knitted, with prints, lace, and shawls in the images of this year are used, first of all, as an element of a daily suit.

For those who even want to look stylish at home, the Petit Pas brand has released exquisite black lace shawls in the Silver collection that will perfectly complement any dress from this series – and not only.

Cape

The end of the 18th century – the first half of the 19th century is called the golden age of cape. This element was used in men’s and women’s suits, it was worn by representatives of the aristocracy and commoners.

In fact, the cape appeared much earlier – pilgrims wore short capes against rain and wind in the early Middle Ages. It was they who gave the cape its name: the French word pelerine means “pilgrim” or “wanderer”.

For many centuries, the cape was part of the monastic attire, and then it entered secular fashion.

This cape is strongly associated with 19th century France, since the cape was given a second life thanks to the deafening premiere of Adam’s ballet Giselle in 1841 – its main character appeared on the stage of the Paris Opera in a luxurious ermine cape, and women of fashion immediately began to imitate her …

Since then, the cape has remained relevant – however, now it, first of all, adorns outerwear. So, last spring, one of the main fashion trends was short flared coats with a cape, and this year they are returning to the catwalks again.

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