Marie Antoinette
“SOS Sense of Style” is your insider’s guide to fashion: this month’s style suggestion comes from the legendary pomp of Marie Antoinette’s wardrobe, and the French dauphiness is October’s YOOXCOVER story. A mysterious figure, the uncontested trendsetter of the French Revolution continues to fascinate us two centuries after her reign.
Marie Antoinette Photo-gallery
Discover the selection inspired by Marie Antoinette
This month marks the anniversary of her death by guillotine in Paris under the orders of the Revolutionary Tribunal in 1793; an exhibit at the Rivoli Castle in Turin commemorates her role as a literary muse and beauty icon of her times. Both fiercely loved and harshly criticized, she was considered one of the 18th Century’s most beautiful women. Her clothes and hairstyles were observed and imitated by women in refined circles throughout the European continent, and when Marie Antoinette adopted a new look, aristocratic ladies immediately followed her hints. The complex character of this woman and Queen has been the subject of and inspiration for a multitude of films-“The Autrichienne” starring Ute Lemper to “The Affair of the Necklace” (2001) starring Joely Richardson and books – both historical and fictional – and are often narrated from the point of view of her ladies-in-waiting who were privy to a private glimpse of this royal icon. Her sumptuous outfits, hats, gloves, feathers and her favorite “macarons” the typicall French pastry she loved, were practically supporting characters in Sofia Coppola’s film “Marie Antoinette”, where the title role was interpreted by a multi-faceted Kirsten Dunst who proved her exceptional acting ability by transmitting the often conflicting sides of the young Queen. The breathtaking set design helped make the film become an immediate cult title.
Modern fashion, of course, has also continued to play homage to the most envied woman of the 1700s: Christian Louboutin gave the name “Marie Antoinette” to his pump, La Perla evokes her style with their Corset collection, as does the new Twelve8Twelve line from Sienna and Savannah Miller. Marie Antoinette originally had a predilection for the popular Rococo style, but eventually came to favor a more elegant and understated look. It is clear that Marie Antoinette is still absolutely relevant to contemporary culture and we like to imagine her as an “It girl” of today: a trendsetting party vixen with undeniable class, probably wearing some Mr Pearl famous bodices, gowns from Vivienne Westwood and pointed Marc Jacobs ankle boots. So here’s a look that carries the scent of the 18th Century, with a contemporary twist and a rock ‘n roll spirit – that would have possibly pleased her Highness.
Marie Antoinette: “myth and fashion” an exhibiton that celebrates the complex character of this woman and Queen
Marie Antoinette
“Mito&Moda”
Until End of October
Casa del Conte Verde - Rivoli (Turin-Italy)
Discover contemporary footwear design inspired by the craftsmanship of the past
