Dr. Elizabeth L. Block, author of Dressing Up: The Women Who Influenced French Fashion, discusses the lesser known figures behind the success of French haute couture during the Gilded Age. She explores the role of wealthy American clients, seamstresses, tailors, perfumiers, and milliners in shaping French fashion. The podcast also touches on the forgotten fashion house Maison Phae Leaks and the influence of American women as patrons of French fashion. The hosts mention fancy dress balls and give a preview of future episodes on French fashion smuggling and the fashions for the Gilded Age TV show.
