I recently came across several pages
from Italian magazine entitled the Corriere delle dame.
Established in1804, the weekly magazine was published out of Milan. The founder
and editor was Carolina Arienti Lattanzi, and included articles on literature,
theatre and fashion throughout Europe, particularly France, Italy, and less
frequently, England. What caught my eye was the charming fashion plate from
1812 illustrating the French Empire style – ‘Moda di Franci’. [1]
Note the simplicity of
the white dress, with extensive self-fabric detail in the form of pleating and
various gathers at the bodice back, which is trimmed in red. Note the just above
the elbow off white gloves. A frilly lace bonnet, standing lace collar, small
red dots along the hem, and red and white stripped slippers complete the
look.
The year
before this ensemble was published, readership was 700; by 1875, it had ceased
publication. Historians have noted that this pioneering publication played a
role in increased female voice and emancipation for elite Italian women in the 19th century.[2]
1. A number of images are available through
the digital collections of the New York Public Library:
