Beau Dozier Contact : After the French Revolution, clothing in France served as a powerful symbol of equality rather than as a sign of status. Male volunteers in the revolutionary army, who generally came from the lower classes, were known as sans-culottes (without breeches) because they wore trousers of homespun fabric rather than the elegant knee breeches of the aristocracy. Their pantelons (trousers) became a symbol of the forces for democracy. By the early 19th century, ankle-length trousers had replaced knee breeches as the standard male garment, and the plain dark suit had become increasingly prevalent. Other items of apparel frowned upon after the French Revolution were powdered wigs, high-heeled shoes (worn by men and women), embroidered waistcoats, and other aristocratic fashions of the earlier 18th century.

        Beau Dozier Portfolio : In western Europe during the 14th and 15th centuries, trade revived, cities grew, and a rebirth of learning took place. The textile industries played an especially important part in this economic revival. The wool trade in England and Flanders and the silk industry in Italy contributed to the growth of a wealthy urban elite, and this elite increasingly competed with a landowning nobility for social and economic status.

        Beau Dozier News : Fashion inspired controversy in England because it fed female vanity as women competed with one another for elegance in dress. Even though changes in fashion promoted trade, keeping up with fashion proved expensive.