Tag: 18th century fashion

  • What to Wear to a Revolution

      (click to enlarge) In early November 1793, amidst the most violent period of the French Revolution, the National Convention issued this decree declaring that the citizens of France were “free to wear such garments appropriate to their sex in the manner they see fit,” adding that individuals attempting to force another to dress in…

  • The Automaton of Marie Antoinette

    Material Mode isn’t quite sure how we missed seeing this at The Metropolitan Museum of Art earlier this year, but we’re kicking ourselves. This 18th century automaton was presented to Marie Antoinette in 1784, created by master furniture maker David Roentgen.  Roentgen enjoyed considerable favor with the  Queen, not only did she patronize him to…