Mercier de Compiègne and the question of fashion

Abstract

The fashion in Paris at the XVIIIth century knows deep changes. The clothing offer is illustrated by a fashion periodic press which is renews its proposals thanks to attractive engravings. Especially an iconic figure emerges from this Age of Lumières: the fashion trader and his most famous representing, Miss Rose Bertin, “minister of fashion” of the queen of France, Marie-Antoinette. The women were as funny birds which change plumage two or three times a day. The women passion for fashion caused strong reactions, especially those of Mercier de Compiègne. In Comment m’habillerai-je ? Mercier established an undeniable link between the clothing fashion and the power of nation. The respect of simplicity, reflects reserve and modesty; two virtues characteristic of the human nature. Any clothing which can excite the claims of the women is against their natural destination. Mercier sings the return to nature. The author of Comment m’habillerai-je ? exalts the transparent and natural beauty image. These reflections want to allure the royal court and to change the rules of good taste.

Keywords

• Mercier de Compiègne
• mode
• femme
• nature
• costume national