After the french revolution and its terror regime, young ladies from the upper class who had survived the guillotine (Madame Tallien in particular, and her friend, the future empress Joséphine) started to dress, or undress, with extravaganza, imitating the ancient greek fashion style.
They were called “les Merveilleuses”, the Marvellous, (“les Incroyables”, the Incredibles for the young men).
Yes, it felt like Spring after a long and horrid winter. One lady even wore a dress that left her breasts bare but she had soon to retreat when a crowd started to gather and follow her everywhere.
Seeing Jane Austen dressed in that fabric, quite a sensation !
She’s wearing Dhaka muslin.
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20210316-the-legendary-fabric-that-no-one-knows-how-to-make
Now you know why Napoleonic Empire gowns were considered scandalous, daring, outrageous, &c., as they too were worn come-as-you-are!
After the french revolution and its terror regime, young ladies from the upper class who had survived the guillotine (Madame Tallien in particular, and her friend, the future empress Joséphine) started to dress, or undress, with extravaganza, imitating the ancient greek fashion style.
They were called “les Merveilleuses”, the Marvellous, (“les Incroyables”, the Incredibles for the young men).
Yes, it felt like Spring after a long and horrid winter. One lady even wore a dress that left her breasts bare but she had soon to retreat when a crowd started to gather and follow her everywhere.
Seeing Jane Austen dressed in that fabric, quite a sensation !