Search - The Essence of Style: How the French Invented High Fashion, Fine Food, Chic Cafes, Style, Sophistication, and Glamour

The Essence of Style How the French Invented High Fashion Fine Food Chic Cafes Style Sophistication and Glamour
Author: Joan DeJean

What makes fashionistas willing to pay a small fortune for a particular designer accessory? Why does a special occasion only become really special when a champagne cork pops? Why are diamonds the status symbol gemstone, instantly signifying wealth, power, and even emotional commitment?Writing with great élan, one of the foremost authorities on s...  more »eventeenth-century French culture provides the answer to these and other fascinating questions in her account of how, at one glittering moment in history, the French under Louis XIV set the standards of sophistication, style, and glamour that still rule our lives today. Joan DeJean takes us back to the birth of haute cuisine, the first appearance of celebrity hairdressers, chic cafés, nightlife, and fashion in elegant dress that extended well beyond the limited confines of court circles. And Paris was the magical center -- the destination of travelers all across Europe.Full of wit, dash, and verve, The Essence of Style will delight fans of history and everybody who wonders about the elusive definition of good taste.  « less

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ISBN-13: 9780743264143
ISBN-10: 0743264142
Publication Date: 5/30/2006
Pages: 320
Edition: Reprint
Rating:

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0 stars, based on 0 rating

Publisher: Free Press
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover
Members Wishing: 0
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

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Jessica L. (Ryeth) reviewed The Essence of Style: How the French Invented High Fashion, Fine Food, Chic Cafes, Style, Sophistication, and Glamour on 12/14/2007 + 82 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

It's a study of both fashion and social norms. A very interesting read about where our trends come from!

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John O. (buzzby) - , reviewed The Essence of Style: How the French Invented High Fashion, Fine Food, Chic Cafes, Style, Sophistication, and Glamour on 7/21/2013 + 6062 more book reviews

A veritable bidet of information on the origins (mostly from King Louis XIV in the late 17th century) of fashions and our enthrallment.

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Read All Book Reviews of "The Essence of Style How the French Invented High Fashion Fine Food Chic Cafes Style Sophistication and Glamour"

• Arts & Photography >> Fashion >> General
• Arts & Photography >> Fashion >> History
• Cookbooks, Food & Wine >> General
• Cookbooks, Food & Wine >> Regional & International >> European >> French
• History >> Europe >> France >> General
• History >> Historical Study & Educational Resources >> Social History
• Health, Fitness & Dieting >> Beauty, Grooming, & Style >> General
• Nonfiction >> Social Sciences >> Popular Culture
• Nonfiction >> Social Sciences >> Anthropology >> Cultural
• Nonfiction >> Social Sciences >> Customs & Traditions
• Nonfiction >> Social Sciences >> General
• Nonfiction >> Social Sciences >> Sociology >> General