For hundreds of years, the changes in fashion and costume in England and in France have been inextricably linked. The royal court of France at Versailles dictated the trends in fashion in both countries for over 120 years, but the French Revolution and the fall of the French monarchy led to an upheaval in fashion history. This fashion revolution was led by three brave and extraordinary women who are the focus of this lecture. Coming from ordinary, middle-class family beginnings in the French Caribbean, Basque-speaking Spain, and provincial France, Rose, Thérése and Julie, all ascended to the summit of fashionable Parisian society, which they dominated for two decades. These intriguing women established styles which revolutionised life throughout Europe.

Professor Chris Browne leads you through this costume drama by considering the lives and influences of these three fascinating women.