A Tale of Two Empresses: French Fashion during the Time of Napoleon
Although my novel is set in England during the late Georgian/Regency era, there is no denying the near-constant and pervasive influence of the French on the fashions of that time. Napoleon’s two empresses were significant in the development of French fashion. France had influenced English and European fashion prior to the French Revolution and the rise of Napoleon. Even items that originated elsewhere (such as the English soft full-cut lingerie gown, and the spencer) were adapted and carried to new heights in France. During periods when travel to France not an option, and when blockades prevented import of French fabrics and trim, English fashion took its own turns, but came under French influence again when travel again possible (e.g . 1802-Peace of Amien, after Napoleon exiled to Elba in 1814, and finally after Waterloo in 1815-importation of French silks, trims, etc.). There was a brief period after Waterloo when Paris tried styles a la anglais, but they didn’t really catch on in France, and the English were again traveling in and buying French fashion and goods. In the Directoire and Empire periods, Josephine was tremendously influential. Neo-classical and Egyptian lines and accessories became extremely popular. After the Revolution and the Terror, Josephine was prominent in Directoire society, and soon became a style leader. This, of course, was solidified with her marriage to Napoleon and his crowning of her as Empress. Their relationship was very romantic (even though neither was faithful). Even when Napoleon disapproved of her fashion choices, she wore what she liked. She is credited with the fashion for the Kashmir shawl, owning several hundreds of them. She evolved a fashion that was a combination of classical simplicity and regal opulence. She preferred slender fitting, flowing dresses, of extremely sheer, floating fabrics. Some were very transparent. The classical hairstyles, filets, etc. were also popular. Josephine achieved a very misty, romantic look, as seen in her portrait by Isabey.
Low heels came in fashion after the French Revolution (so that all were on an equal level, as high heels associated with wealthy aristocrats).
Once he discovered he was able to father children (the results of affairs while married to Josephine), Napoleon became obsessed with having a legitimate heir for his empire. He divorced Josephine in January of 1810. He settled on the Marie-Louise, the Austrian archduchess, less for romantic reasons than for the political alliance (he thought he’d have more influence and control over the Austrian emperor), combined with a young attractive girl with a womb. As an Austrian arch-duchess, Marie-Louise’s style was more formal and conservative, with elaborate styling, and skirts more full and bell-shaped.
