Fashion of the Rococo Period

After talking in class about the Rococo Movement and it’s influence on the Art Nouveau, I wanted to research a little more about the fashions worn during the Rococo period. Rococo describes a movement during the 18^th century in France. It was a visual trend that emphasized in ornate decoration and unique design. The Word Rococo itself comes from the French words, crocodile, meaning stone and coquilles meaning shell. This references the decorative motifs and symbols used during this movement. The Rococo period is sometimes criticized for being overtly frivolous and excessive. Pastels as well as delicate curving lines and lighthearted imagery characterize the period. The dress if the wealthy women was usually a corset top accompanied by a large full skirt that was heavily decorated. These skirts reached larger than the length of the arm span of their wearers. Hair was usually teased and pinned high on top of the head and covered in heavy white powder. Decoration and embellishments were also found in hairstyle of Rococo women. There were over 1200 hairdressers in Paris in 1769. Make-up became an art form; it was usually caked on to achieve a pale, translucent complexion.