How couture became haute couture

Hat-making became the preserve of milliners in France from the time of the French Revolution.

Millinery factories supplemented what was produced by workshops.

Following the French Revolution, corsets disappeared for a time. However, they soon came back onto the scene and developed in a variety of ways during the 19th century.

In 1898, Herminie Cadolle set women free by cutting the conventional rigid corset in two. In doing so, she invented the "bosom-bodice," which we now know as the bra.

Crinolines appeared in the 1830s. These petticoats were worn under the skirt to make it look more voluminous as styles became more rounded at the hips.

Dress styles evolved, with sheath dresses at the time of the Empire and Restoration and bell-shaped dresses until 1850…

…dresses with a crinoline until 1870…

…then dresses with a bustle until 1910.

In 1830, there was a small revival of heeled shoes where the arch of the foot was supported by a shank. However, heels only really came back into fashion around 1850.

In 1862, Alexis Godillot had the idea of distinguishing between the right and left foot when it came to shoes. This principle became widespread around 1870 and waisted heels appeared. These remained on the scene for almost half a century and reached their peak around 1890.

This meant women could now carry essential items with them like handkerchiefs, coin purses, keys, and beauty accessories.

Dresses with short puffed sleeves enabled women to wear long gloves. These were simple and worn all day, often enhanced with a bracelet.

These pieces followed clothing fashions.

Among the main jewelry makers such as Jacta, Cartier, and Boucheron, Lalique is recognized as one of the most important French Art Nouveau jewelry designers.