ph. by Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin
Marie Antoinette, born in 1755, was the last Queen of France. The extrovert personality and extravagant lifestyle turned her into the most scandalous figure of that time. Marie Antoinette’s marriage to Louis XVI of France was one of convenience and her interests were more related to enjoyments, parties, fashion, outrageous behavior, things that made the French people come to dislike her.
Steven Meisel
Initially, she was loved and admired by the nation, maybe because she carried hope for a better life. But the Queen enjoyed the extravagant lifestyle. Fabulous gowns and fabrics especially made for her, delicacies, fascinating jewelry and spa treatments were some of the luxurious things that the royal title offered her.
She was particularly fond of fashion and depraved masquerade parties which were populated by the upper class dressed in splendid gowns and costumes, magnificent jewelry, expensive rare fabrics that created the image of a wild aristocratic 18th century fashion parade. Also the place, in which all these parties were held, was an example of extravagant design effort. Marie Antoinette used to wear stunning outfits during these parties.
Tim Walker
The great love for fashion was shown in her enchanting appearances. Her day started with a book, presented by the first “femme de chambre”, which contained the pattern and description of every article in her wardrobe. Marie Antoinette could plan in this way her morning, afternoon and evening dress.
The Queen of France had also a personal court designer, Rose Bertin, who became responsible for the Queen’s look and styling and helped her improve fashion sense. The beautiful innovative creations made by Rose Bertin became famous and entitled her probably the first fashion designer of the world. According to some sources, hundreds of dresses per year were made especially for the Queen in order to take part to the social gatherings and balls.
Luigi & Lango
Marie Antoinette was a real trend-setter of her time. She represented the symbol of 18th century extravagance. Her fabulous dresses, spectacular jewelry and amazing hairdos that were truly works of art, transformed her into the Queen of Fashion….
Mario Testino
info: https://stripesandvelvet.wordpress.com/2013/03/28/marie-antoinette-a-ravishing-fashion-icon/
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