SKU: 28889200392

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

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The Essence of Style: How the French Invented High Fashion, Fine Food, Chic Cafes, Style, Sophistication, and GlamourWhat 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 lan, one of the foremost authorities on seventeenth century French culture provides the answer to these and other fascinating questions in her

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 lan, one of the foremost authorities on seventeenth-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 caf s, 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.

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Free Press
Published: 05/01/2006
ISBN: 9780743264143
Pages: 303
Weight: 0.90lbs
Size: 8.60h x 5.47w x 0.82d
Accelerated Reader Quiz #/Name: 105983 / Essence of Style: How the French Invented High Fashion, Fine Food, Chic Cafes, Style, Sophistication
Reading Level: 10.4 / Interest Level: Upper Grade / Point Value: 18
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SKU: 28889200392

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C. Crespo
Fort Morgan, US
★★★★★ 5
Nice quality
Size: XX-Large, Color: Black
Very nice fit and material. I’m a size 14 & the XXL fits well - maybe a tad bit big, but I didn’t want it to be fit uncomfortably tight either. My only complaint is that the side zipper gets stuck right where the pocket is. But I am able to put the dress on without having to open & close the Ipper.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2025
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shinday
Omaha, US
★★★★★ 5
Gorgeous
Size: Large, Color: Black
I bought 2 of these dresses, they are adorable. They are well made, fully lined, quality product. They fit so well and will be flattering on any figure. I’m 5’10”, the length is perfect. Well below the knee. A classic fit and cut
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Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2025
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Denise E.
Louisville, US
★★★★★ 4
Flattering fit, great feel, totally worth it
Size: Medium, Color: Black
I had to squeeze my girls in, but I made it work, lol! This was my first time shopping from The Drop and I was so suprised by the quality. It's definitely a heavy dress but I really love how it feels and fits on my body. For context, I ordered a medium, I'm 5'2", 155 lbs, 36DD, and 30in waist. It's tight on my bust but comfortable around my hips and waist, which isn't a big deal. The side zipper kills me though lol so beware, lots of twisting to get that thing shut. BUT still worth it. great dress.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2025
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TMax
Lowell, US
★★★★★ 5
Great dress!
Size: 3X, Color: White
I had to go a size up in this for the chest area. But this is a great dress with adjustable straps. Can do a lot with it. Feels and looks quality!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2026
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Amazon Customer
Boise, US
★★★★★ 2
Zipper!
Size: Large, Color: Black
I mean the reviews don’t lie. Beautiful quality dress. Wore once washed and zipper doesn’t work.
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Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2025

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