Queen of Fashion

by: Caroline Weber

Published by: Henry Holt and Company

Reviewed by Gerry Hartsoe

From the time Austrian-born Marie Antoinette was groomed to be the Queen of France, and until her death, her every move and what she wore was seen as a political maneuver.

This young girl who had been used as a pawn to bring Austria and France together, was on one hand glorified by the French people, and then hated and whispered about by the court throughout her life.

Her marriage to King Louis XVI was expected to quickly produce an heir. Due to the timidity of the King, and a physical problem, the marriage was not consummated for seven years. The king also did not include Marie Antoinette in the actions of the court, therefore she amused herself with fashion. Her mother, the Queen of Austria, said in a letter that she must be pleasing and to try to entice her husband. Having an heir would cement the tie between the countries.

From the time she first got to the French court at age fourteen and until she was thirty, most extravagant gowns and fashions were the norm--gowns studded with diamonds and other precious gems, extravagant hairdos, hats and shoes were worn in a frenzy of parties and outings. As many of the court members were against her, the ongoing gossiping and backstabbing ultimately turned the French people against her. While the lower classes starved, she flaunted the life of luxury. The political factions time turned whatever she wore into reasons for hatred and envy. This, along with King Louis XVI's poor leadership and bad decisions for the people, and Marie Antoinette lavish behavior eventually, led to the downfall of the reign, and finally to the French Revolution.

Unless you have studied her life and times in detail, you would not know Marie Antoinette was known as a tragic figure in French history--plus some of the interesting and unique bits of information in Caroline Weber's book. It was fascinating, and I was intrigued to know more about the woman who was destined for great love and hatred from the French people, all because of what she wore.

Armchair Interviews says: Her extravagant lifestyle made others hate her.