Marie Antoinette, known infamously for her line “let them eat cake,” is actually a hallmark of historical fashion, architecture, and culture. The teenage queen caused quite a stir in her lifetime, both in a political and cultural sense. From colorful and expressive ball gowns, to a 2006 dramatic biopic starring Kirsten Dunst, her impact has lasted centuries after her short-lived reign as queen.
Eccentricity is the core of Marie Antoinette’s approach to her queenship: she despised the way of life she was instructed to live as the queen of France, choosing instead to live lavishly and unconventionally, unlike anyone else on the throne before her. Her unique way of living stemmed from her early marriage into the French throne, being only a teenager, soon resulting in an empty and boring love life. She gambled constantly, ordered jewelry that was as expensive as mansions, and defined a distinctive form of fashion, now known as rococo. Rococo fashion was characterized by extreme luxury: ruffles, bows, pastel colors, and extreme extravagance. Large gowns, especially those with side hoops, allowed for displays of luxury and opulence, considering the more wealthy French citizens were the only ones able to keep up with and afford these new fashion trends.
Modern interpretations of Marie Antoinette and her life include her 2006 biopic, Marie Antoinette, directed by Sofia Coppola and starring Kirsten Dunst. The film takes a colorful and youthful approach to Marie Antoinette’s life, using elements of more relevant pop culture and fashion. Coppola herself noted that she was inspired and intrigued by Marie Antoinette’s storyline after learning that she and her husband were mere teenagers during these events. She captured the essence of her youthful and often naive rule as queen; after all, she married into the throne at the age of 15. This film brings a fresh perspective to Marie Antoinette’s rule as queen and retains a classic charm while incorporating a modern interpretation of her life and the extravagant rococo era.
Despite the peak of this era having occurred centuries ago, rococo is far from dead. Moschino’s Fall/Winter 2020 collection, for example, took heavy inspiration from rococo fashion, while adding a modern edge. Dramatic puff sleeves and extravagant ruffles adorn the models on the runway, reminiscing on the luxurious fashion trends ushered by Marie Antoinette; of course, the collection is not of ball gowns. The dresses stop above the knee, showing the thigh-high lace up boots, and many of the high fashion models are dressed in pants. Revivals of vintage fashion trends don’t always need to be exactly accurate, as seen by rococo revivals in modern culture such as fashion and film.
Marie Antoinette’s revolutionary style and impact is relevant even today - in a world where fashion and trendy styles can be accessible to all. Though rococo may have been reserved for the rich in the 18th century, there are many more opportunities to express your fashion sense today; there are more affordable store options, second hand shopping, and independent sellers, which make fashion trends more accessible to all.
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