Anniversary of Marie Antoinette's demise

16 October 1793 is the day Marie Antoinette passed away, not a fan of necrolatry, but her figure as Dauphine de France, Marie Antoinette Josèphe Jeanne de Habsbourg-Lorraine, Archduchess of Austria and the Queen of France and Navarre is legendary and was portraited so graciously by the incomparable Kirsten Dunst in "Marie Antoinette" (2006) directed by Sophia Coppola."This month marks the anniversary of her death by guillotine in Paris under the orders of the Revolutionary Tribunal in 1793; an exhibit at the Rivoli Castle in Turin commemorates her role as a literary muse and beauty icon of her times. Both fiercely loved and harshly criticized, she was considered one of the 18th Century’s most beautiful women. Her clothes and hairstyles were observed and imitated by women in refined circles throughout the European continent, and when Marie Antoinette adopted a new look, aristocratic ladies immediately followed her hints. The complex character of this woman and Queen has been the subject of and inspiration for a multitude of films-“The Autrichienne” starring Ute Lemper to “The Affair of the Necklace” (2001) starring Joely Richardson and books – both historical and fictional – and are often narrated from the point of view of her ladies-in-waiting who were privy to a private glimpse of this royal icon.
Her sumptuous outfits, hats, gloves, feathers and her favorite “macarons” the typicall French pastry she loved, were practically supporting characters in Sofia Coppola’s film “Marie Antoinette”, where the title role was interpreted by a multi-faceted Kirsten Dunst who proved her exceptional acting ability by transmitting the often conflicting sides of the young Queen. The breathtaking set design helped make the film become an immediate cult title.Modern fashion, of course, has also continued to play homage to the most envied woman of the 1700s: Christian Louboutin gave the name “Marie Antoinette” to his pump, La Perla evokes her style with their Corset collection, as does the new Twelve8Twelve line from Sienna and Savannah Miller. Marie Antoinette originally had a predilection for the popular Rococo style, but eventually came to favor a more elegant and understated look. It is clear that Marie Antoinette is still absolutely relevant to contemporary culture and we like to imagine her as an “It girl” of today": Source: www.thenewyooxer.yoox.com

"This dress was for Marie Antoinette. The dress dates back to the 1780's satin fabric, silk floral embroidery, ribbon appliqués, spangles and glass stones. Due to its delicate nature, the dress can only be exposed to light for short periods of time.Hats and hair 'poufs' were also designed by Bertin, including the famous the the "Belle Poule", which was also in the Marie Antoinette movie starring Kirsten Dunst.Bertin was also nicknamed the 'Minister for fashion' by critics of the french monarchy and spent many hours in talks with "Marie Antoinette". Source: buctopia.blogspot.com