Marie-Antoinette with the Rose (1783) by Louise Elisabeth Vigée-LebrunPalace of Versailles
The French monarchy not only ruled Versailles, but their style continues to rule the runway today. Marie-Antoinette has become a fashion icon of the 1780s through her extravagant style and popular garments worn by the Queen, such as corsets, have been revamped by modern designers, including Vivienne Westwood. Take a peek into these closets from the 1780s and find out which trends have evolved from Versailles fashion.
Marie-Antoinette, archduchess of Austria, Queen of France (1774/1793) by Martial Deny, Claude-Louis Desrais, André Basset le JeunePalace of Versailles
Nothing is too extra
Ribbons, flowers, beads – the more decoration, the better for the French royalty. Marie-Antoinette is still known as a fashion icon today and her extravagant style has continued through the ages as people continue to wear bright colors and accessorize their outfits.
Elisabeth-Philippe-Marie-Hélène de France, said Madame Elisabeth (1782) by Elisabeth-Louise Vigée Le BrunPalace of Versailles
The layers are off
Originally created to accentuate the waist, corsets have come back into fashion as a statement piece. In the 1780s they were worn under clothes, but as time has gone on, the layers have come off, and designers such as Vivienne Westwood have re-created the garment for the runway.
Costume under the reign of Louis XVI by Charles-Emmanuel Patas, Claude-Louis Desrais, Esnauts & RapillyPalace of Versailles
Keep it professional
It might not be the suit and tie you see walking through the city today, but in 1780s Versailles, you also had to wear appropriate clothing when appearing in Court or in front of the King – the castle dress-code was a sword and hat.
Queen Marie-Antoinette's necklace (1785) by After Paul Bassenge and Charles-Auguste BoehmerPalace of Versailles
Necklaces on necklaces
The famous "Queen's necklace" was created by combining a choker with a necklace dangling underneath. Chokers have become a lasting trend in their own right, but layering them with other necklaces has also become a popular way to change up your look.
François-Guillaume Ménageot (1785) by Marie-Victoire LemoinePalace of Versailles
Florals? For Spring? Groundbreaking
Although now a spring-style staple, the floral print was a fashionable choice by notable people in the 1780s. Here, the French painter François-Guillaume Ménageot wears a delicate cornflower printed waistcoat, which is similar to styles seen at London Fashion Week.
Marie-Antoinette, Queen of France (1783) by Elisabeth Vigée Le BrunPalace of Versailles
The bigger the wig, the better
Statement wigs were the fashion for the French monarchy in Versailles. Although they are not so tall or so grey anymore, wigs have become a popular accessory and can be used to match your hair with your outfit.
Marie-Antoinette in front of the temple of Love (1780) by Jean Baptiste André Gautier d'AgotyPalace of Versailles
Worn by all
Although we are more forward thinking in terms of unisex fashion today, there are certain clothing items which were worn by men and women in the 1780s. This robe à l’anglaise (an English gown) was inspired by a similar coat worn by men during the same period.
