Modes d'hiver, Illustration, 1861-12-14

In the second half of the nineteenth century, Parisian fashion was characterized by the use of the corset and of framework underskirts or crinolines. These underskirts, hidden under the petticoats and the skirts, were designed to give a full shape to the dresses. The types of fabric represented in this print are mainly velvet (for the coats) and satin, which were particularly fashionable at the time.