Wig Fashion

The book masterfully weaves together three main threads: the technical artistry of wig craftsmanship, the socio-political implications of elaborate court fashion, and the striking contrast between visual splendor and physical cleanliness. Through careful examination of primary sources, including court records and surviving artifacts, readers discover how the sourcing of human hair, complex styling processes, and the use of powder and pomades created an entirely new profession and social hierarchy within French society.

Moving from technical aspects to broader cultural implications, the text illuminates how wig fashion influenced everything from European trade routes to pre-revolutionary social tensions. The book's academic yet accessible approach makes it invaluable for both scholars and general readers interested in fashion history, offering detailed insights into a time when appearance literally functioned as currency in social and political spheres. This unique perspective on historical fashion challenges common assumptions, revealing the complex motivations behind seemingly impractical fashion choices that shaped an era.