ALPHABET OF TEXTILES: E is for Échelle.

The article focuses on Madame de Pompadour, a prominent figure in 18th-century fashion and the mistress of King Louis XV, who played a significant role in popularizing the color pink and influencing the French rococo style alongside artist Francois Boucher. It describes her signature attire, particularly the robe à la Française, characterized by ruffled skirts and intricate bows, which were a revival of 17th-century fashion elements. The article highlights the aesthetic appeal of the échelle, a decorative feature of ribbon bows that emphasized the wearer's silhouette and contributed to the romantic connotations of her style. Additionally, it notes the mantua gown's design, which included a boned bodice and a contrasting petticoat, further enhancing the elegance of the era's fashion. [Extracted from the article]