Clothing and History

 Image credit: NPR.org

I enjoyed listening to this story on NPR recently about the robe volante, a complete departure from what women had been wearing during pre-French Revolution Versailles. This dress was a revolution in itself: "Down with the corsets and cages! Up with the robe volante! Full and comfy, in fancy fabrics or simple cottons, everyone could wear it — and they did. The 'revolutionaries' were young women of the court, merchants and dressmakers; the robe became a social leveler." (NPR.org)

The historical fiction novel, Madame Tussaud,  which provides deep insight into the French Revolution, is a terrific read. The writer describes what led to this monumental event and the meaningful role that clothing played.