Marie Antoinette, Queen of Style and Taste

by Françoise Ravelle

In the Kingdom of the Good taste, Marie-Antoinette's ministers are seamstress, cabinet maker, bronze-smelter or painter. Personally implicated with the creation of her gown, in the decoration of her private apartments or in the planning of her gardens, the queen intends to live according to modern fashion, when she is not the one creating it, even if it means she has to contravene the social standards attached to her rank. To the French refinement brought to its best, she adds her own touch with the use of flowers and pearls. Sometime disguised as an actress or a farm-girl, the rebel sovereign only obey to the laws she wants, without thinking about the consequences.

Examples of subjects: the Queen of parties, the queen in parade cloths, French gowns, English gowns, Rose Bertin seamstress of the Queen, hairstyle, jewellery, makeup, country gowns, colours and flowers, Toile of Jouy, the Queen’s apartments, furniture, chinoiserie, tableware.

Genres: History, Art

128 pages, Hardcover

Published May 4, 2017

Reviews

[Caroline]

Köpte ärligt talat boken för bildernas skull, vill man läsa om MA:s stil och smak rekommenderar jag Webers bok.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good introduction to 18th century fashion history, furniture, and the artistic styles of Marie Antoinette's time, but perhaps repetitive for people who are already very familiar with this period. Plenty of pictures as well. Not actually a huge amount of text. Quick, easy read.

[Madison Isaacs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Style and Taste is an understatement. Seeing the images of the dresses and her personal belongings was stunning. Plus seeing her furniture was an added bonus. I love the Rococo style. The book was very informative and educational.

[Ris · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE THIS BOOK. Shows pics of the diff gown style styles, her decorating, etc. so interesting. I’ve always wanted to see pics of English vs French style gowns etc. if you are interested in MA or fashion- great read