2-888-406 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Paris Fashions for March, 1850. 'At no period since the French Revolution have balls been so numerous and so brilliant in Paris as this last month. These new bodies are quite tight, rather high on the chest, and trimmed with a square pelerine, two inches wide, ornamented with a plisse à la vieille: the sleeves are short, and without bows on the shoulders. The skirts are very full, and quite plain; and the richest silks, brilliant silver damasks, or satins, are selected for these toilets, with which no additional ornaments - either in ribbon, flowers, or lace - are worn (as our Engraving shows). These toilets attract attention by their extreme simplicity, in the midst of the gorgeous evening dresses, ornamented with flounces, double skirts, flowers, and jewels.' From "Illustrated London News", 1850.