How is it that Marie-Antoinette — wife of King Louis XVI and Queen of France — is still one of the most fascinating (and polarizing) characters in Western history over two centuries later? While most who’ve studied her life and legacy either love or hate her, everyone can agree that she had taste and a genuine passion for fashion. It’s time to explore the fanciful world of Marie-Antoniette, and how her understanding of good fashion, perfume, and portraits not only inspired fashion designers and painters of her time, but also created the foundations for modern fashion.

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore the artistic world of Marie-Antoinette (1755-1793), and how her impeccable taste in all-things fashion, perfume, and portraits has reinvigorated and redefined her legacy over the centuries.

Led by Edith de Belleville — French licensed tour guide, author, and attorney-at-law — our digital showcase of Marie-Antoinette and her good taste will include:

• A brief overview of Marie-Antoinette, from when she arrived at the French Court at the young age of fourteen, to her difficulty in adapting French customs and when she became Queen
• How Marie-Antoinette became a patron of the talented painter Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun, who painted many of her portraits
• The incredible story of her personal and exclusive perfumer, Jean-Louis Fargeon, who brought extravagant scents to the Court of Versailles
• A discussion surrounding Marie-Jeanne Rose Bertin, the dressmaker to Queen Marie-Antoinette, who became the first celebrated French fashion designer and is widely credited with having brought fashion and haute couture to the forefront of popular culture
• A look at the glamorous life of an 18th century queen in the most prestigious court of Europe, from her bedroom to her private garden
• Artifacts of Marie-Antoinette that still exist, including a guitar believed to be hers that was sold at auction for a little over $83,000 USD in December of 2022

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A session with Edith — any and all questions about Marie-Antoinette’s style are welcomed and encouraged!

Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually!

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***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

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About Edith

Edith de Belleville is a native Parisian woman. She is a licensed tour guide, lawyer, author and a qualified French teacher for foreigners. She wrote a book about Beautiful Rebels of Paris in French (“Belles et Rebelles” , Éditions du 81) She is also a professor and teaches the Jewish heritage in Paris at Gustave Eiffel University (Marne-la-Vallée) She just published a new book in English about her memoirs in Paris “Parisian Life, adventures in the City of Light.” And she spends so much time at Le Louvre and Orsay Museum that it’s her second home.

Testimonials

” She was educated about Marie Antoinette! With great suggestions about what to read about the queen! Loved the accent!” -Joel

” The presenter provided multi media for the lecture on Queen Marie Antoinette, which really kept the information fresh.” -Marilyn

” Such a clever presentation – loved the mix of everyday history and fashion. Another brilliant talk from Edith – really liked the clips from all the films, added so much to the overall presentation, giving a real sense of the fashions of the time. Great to have the bibliography at the end to be able to continue to understand such an important person of the 18th century” -Linde

” It was quite interesting. Looking forward to her future talks!” -E

” Everything. But really great use to intersperse video clips!” -Julie

” Interactive, informative, engaging.” -Amelia

“Interesting topic. I enjoyed the presenter’s way of presenting the topic and giving a personal opinion as well as other versions concerning this topic…..historical or not!” -Deborah

“EVERYTHING! Edith is a great presenter, so knowledgeable in history, social trends, over the centuries, the arts, law, and the attitudes of every day people as well as the nobility and other forms of leader ship. I love her clips of movies, and just the perspective she gives of life today in France in various geographical settings. She helps a listener to understand how events and fashions, and all kinds of political ideas have taken shape what brought that about. She has a great mind, and so many experiences, personal and academic. I love to listen to any presentation that I am available to listen to.” -Sharon

“Oh the fashion! Edith’s enthusiasm for her subject made the presentation very enjoyable.” -Maria

“Learning about French history from someone whose a French citizen & the focus on the costumes – including those depicted in the film ‘Marie Antoinette’ of which I own & love, how she also knew Sophia filmed inside Versailles & what was accurate & what wasn’t.” -Carla

“Edith is fantastic. Her knowledge of her materials is absolutely wonderful, and her accent is adorable and adds authenticity. Please tell her “Merci beaucoup!” I will be keeping an eye out for more of her sessions. I loved it.” -Carrie

“Interesting presentation which included Edith responding to questions in the chat” -Deborah

“As always, a well thought out and well presented program on a fascinating subject.” -Catherine

“Love Edith. She is so charming. Very special. So well done.” -Noelle

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Categories: Virtual, Moments in History