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Essence of Style: How the French Invented High Fashion, Fine Food, Chic Cafes, Style, Sophistication, and Glamour Hardcover – January 1, 2005

by Joan DeJean (Author)

35 customer reviews

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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 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 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.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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

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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Not only do French women not get fat, they've led the world in style for the past 300 years. French historian DeJean's premise is simple yet wonderfully effective: largely because of one obsessive spendthrift, Louis XIV, France, in the late 17th century, became the arbiter of chic, a position from which it has never since faltered. Louis's outrageous vanity, sumptuous court and devotion to his own well-being led to growth in the manufacturing of fine clothing and shoes, and the invention of shops in which to buy them, and to celebrity cuisine, cafes and Champagne (a particularly amusing—and explosive—chapter). Louis was enthralled by glitter, which fostered a huge increase in the diamond trade; the theft of the Venetians' mirror-making secrets and subsequent rise of France as world leader in that field; and the first night streetlights (hence the "City of Lights"). Louis also abhorred mud (so streets were paved with cobblestones) and disliked getting wet (thus umbrellas were invented). This engaging history "lite"—to be published on Bastille Day—is a fun read despite its many Sex in the City references. Photos, illus. Agent, Alice Martell. (July 14)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Adult/High School–DeJean gives readers an entertaining and engrossing account of how and when France cornered the market on luxury. Beginning with a description of what life was like before Louis XIV ascended the throne in 1643, she then details the radical changes that occurred as he and his ministers redirected French manufactures toward the creation of new luxury items. Each of the various subjects she discusses has its own chapter that can stand alone; taken together they show how desire for style created new products and markets. Louis's sumptuous, constantly redesigned wardrobe was copied by his court. The interest in the elegant new styles led to the development of the fashion press. The magazines with their engravings (the original fashion plates) enthralled the common people, who wanted their own bit of glamour. The manufacture of luxury accessories allowed almost everyone to feel like a fashionista. Since women needed somewhere to show off their stylish clothes, the dark, smoky coffeehouses were replaced by elegant, glittering cafés with fine coffee and exquisite pastries. Teens who gather in modern cafés, flip through fashion magazines, and purchase designer bags will enjoy this book. They will also discover that Madison Avenue has nothing on 17th-century Paris.–Kathy Tewell, Fairfax County Public Library, VA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product details

Hardcover: 303 pages
Publisher: Free Press/Macmillan (January 1, 2005)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1422354792
ISBN-13: 978-1422354797
Package Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 1.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
Average Customer Review: 35 customer reviews
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #12,466,401 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #6157 in Books > Cookbooks, Food & Wine > Cooking Education & Reference > History
- #10556 in Books > Arts & Photography > Graphic Design > Commercial > Fashion Design
- #21719 in Books > History > Europe > France

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Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars

5 star		51%
4 star		31%
3 star		9%
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Top customer reviews

I'll drink to LOUIE XIV !!

ByRetire to Portugalon March 12, 2015

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

Well documented history of Louis XIV and his vision and desires for making France and especially Paris what it is today; the most charming city in the world. Cuisine, perfume, mirrors, hair styling, CITY LIGHTS, clean streets, umbrellas, champagne, etc. This book will raise your IQ 10 points and you will be ready for Jeopardy or Mensa.

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A fun book. For more in depth coverage of this ...

ByThe Centeron November 23, 2015

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

A fun book. For more in depth coverage of this topic in terms of how French fashion, culture, and politics affected America and our historical personalities, see book by David McCullough, The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris.

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Three Stars

ByHCon August 24, 2014

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

I expected a prettier book, more illustrations - Hard to get thru,
though very informative.

0Comment 2 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YesNo

History of the French allure and why!

BySharon L. Kirbyon April 21, 2014

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

This book explains why the French have "it", the glamour and style. It all started with the Sun King Louis XIV from fashion to food. A fun history and understanding of the French luxury, glamour and why they still have 'it'. Good reading.

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Tour de force!

ByStephen Healeyon March 11, 2015

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

And absolutely fantastic read! I highly recommend this book to anyone that loves Paris and France. The book is give me great insight into a side of history I never knew much about.

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Five Stars

Byluis madridon December 21, 2016

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

Fantastic !!!

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Excellent read for those of us interested in how high fashion developed!

ByRe Craigon May 3, 2014

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

Really enjoyed this book as I have interests in fashion, interior design and good dining. The insights and knowledge I gained will be put to good use as I travel to France this summer.

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The Essence of Style

ByHelene N Sankoon September 16, 2013

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

It is a paperback that allows you to understand the reasons for which France remained the leader in Food and Fashion and did it with "style'. Excellehnt!
Helene Sanko