Fashionable Woman, mid 1770s

This figure is wearing an example of a fashionable day dress, called a polponaise, suitable for a promenade. Only wealthy women could afford to have different costumes for specific purposes. Thus, a diverse wardrobe reflected social status.

In contrast to the rigid hoops or paniers (Panniers in English), that would be worn with a full evening dress, her skirt is gathered in the back in a soft bustle. Fashionable women of the era wore rouge on their cheeks and lip coloring. High powdered hairstyles built up on frames became the vogue in the 1770s. The hairstyles were so elaborate that they would remain in place for weeks at a time, often becoming infested ith vermin.

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