The Rococo period style was introduced by Louis XV and Mne de Pompoudor. In France, they began to obsess over lavish things which helped develop this style. The Rococo period was said to have been the last aristocratic style of France. Rococo was not limited to fashion but architecture, art, and theatre as well (Muscato, 2019). France was extremely divided during this time, this separation was caused from the imbalance of wealth. There was an exceptionally wealthy ruling class and the extremely impoverished lower class (Muscato, 2019).
Rococo aroise from the Baroque period. The Baroque period was characterized by supreme ornamentation and emphasis on high dignity. The Rococo style left behind the dignity associated with the style but continued holding high value on wealth and decor (Muscato, 2019). Many aristocrats were no longer required in court so they spent a lot of time hosting parties and enjoying their wealthy lifestyle. Their fashion began to reflect this. For example, in women’s clothes, their robes became looser and more comfortable to reflect the life of relaxation that they possessed (Hisour, n.d). The early development of Rococo fashion was loose and more informal but as the style developed more detail and ordamentation became a part of the style.
Before Rococo the style consisted of rich dark fabrics and heavy designs. This was contrasted in the Rococo period. The Rococo fashion became characterized by ornate and intricate patterns. The fabrics were typical of light and pastel colours. The materials of silk, lace, and satin were heavily utilized during this time. The fashion was light and flowy in comparison to the period before it (Hisour, n.d). One specific element that characterized women’s dresses during this time was the Watteau pleat.
The Watteau pleat extended the hips by utilizing a hoop worn under the skirts. This combined with the pastel colours and light fabric represented the fashion Rococo period. In conclusion, the Rococo Period had an extravagant and exuberant fashion style that was the result of the rich and lavish lifestyle of the aristocrats.
Works Cited:
Images:
https://zakheath.com/fashion/f/rococo-fashion-and-its-influence-on-neoclassical-style
https://funthinkers.livejournal.com/263857.html
https://fashion.fandom.com/wiki/Rococo
Muscato, Christopher. “Take Online Courses. Earn College Credit. Research Schools, Degrees & Careers.”
Study.com | Take Online Courses. Earn College Credit. Research Schools, Degrees & Careers, 2019, https://study.com/academy/lesson/rococo-fashion-history-period-terms.html.