See the Historic Dress Described as a "French Revolution"

It’s a bold claim to call a dress style a “French revolution,” but we think you’ll be convinced when you hear why this frock deserves that moniker. NPR took an in-depth look at a rare 1700s dress that was just purchased for over $150,000. Per NPR, the dress style is known as a “robe volante,” or “flying dress,” which signaled the shift from the rigid, corseted looks of Louis XIV’s court to looser silhouettes.

“By the end of the 17th century, the formality began to wear thin and the magnificence became a burden,” NPR writes. “And so a fashion revolution was born: Down with the corsets and cages! Up with the robe volante! Full and comfy, in fancy fabrics or simple cottons, everyone could wear it—and they did. The ‘revolutionaries’ were young women of the court, merchants, and dressmakers; the robe became a social leveler.”

Head over to NPR to learn more about the significance of the dress, including a history lesson from French cultural historian Joan de Jean.

Scroll down to see the dress NPR describes as a “French revolution.”

how-this-jaw-dropping-1700s-dress-changed-french-fashion-1863796-1470783157

(Image credit: Joan de Jean/NPR.org)

What are your thoughts on the story behind this dress? Tell us in the comments below, and if you want to learn more about fashion history, buy Fashion: The Definitive History of Costume and Style on Amazon!

Erin Fitzpatrick
Senior News Editor

Erin got her start as a Who What Wear intern over 12 years ago—back when the site only published a single story per day. (Who What Wear has since increased that number twentyfold.) She graduated magna cum laude from USC, which is how she ended up moving to Los Angeles from her hometown of San Diego. In college, she also interned at Refinery29, where she was promoted to editorial assistant and then assistant editor. After nearly three years at R29, she came back to WWW in 2016, where she currently holds the title of senior news editor (as well as the unofficial title of resident royal expert—in case you haven't noticed her numerous Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton stories). She spends her days trying to incorporate her idols, Anna Wintour and Roger Federer, into as many stories as possible. Outside of work, she loves tennis, classic rock, traveling, and smothering her dog with affection.