Fashion in the 17th century

Yvane Jacob gives a lecture on fashion in the 17th century in the Tinel room of the Château de Grignan, as part of the Année Sévigné programme.

Under Louis XIV, clothes and fabrics serving royal power

In the 1600s, France made fashion a tool of power. Under Louis XIV, dress, textiles, accessories and adornments displayed the might of the king, and French magnificence became a model for the other courts of Europe.

Luxury was a way to project influence: whatever was worn at court spread to Paris and then to the provinces, bringing new silhouettes and habits to women and men alike.

Madame de Sévigné, witness to the elegance of her day

Madame de Sévigné followed the novelties, refinements and splendour of her era with a keen eye, and she left an exceptional account of a clothing culture then in full bloom. Her letters show in close detail what people wore, and what garments reveal about the society of the Grand Siècle (the Great Century).

A discussion after the lecture in the Tinel room

Yvane Jacob’s lecture takes place in the Tinel room and closes with time for discussion. Two more lectures will follow:

• Saturday 7 November: “L’art de se parfumer au 17e siècle”
• Saturday 14 November: “Madame de Sévigné dans le patrimoine départemental : mythe ou réalité ?”

Tickets cost between €10 and €13 and include admission to the château. The €10 rate is the Pass conférence, which can only be bought by phone or directly on site.