Question

France's dominance over international fashion began during which period?

• A. Late 18th century
• B. Mid 18th century
• C. Early 18th century
• D. Early 19th century

Hint:

Remember: France's dominance over international fashion began in the early 18th century.
Paris was considered the cradle of haute couture, and French court fashion dictated European trends.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept:
In the history of fashion, Paris became recognized as the fashion capital of the Western world due to royal patronage, craftsmanship, and the development of the textile industry.

Step 1: Historical Evolution of French Fashion Leadership:
France's dominance over international fashion began in the early 18th century.
The French royal court under King Louis XIV and later King Louis XV set the standard of elegance and luxury throughout Europe.
French fashion dolls dressed in miniature court styles were dispatched across European capitals to display the latest Parisian trends long before the era of fashion magazines.

Step 2: Textile Industry and Haute Couture:
The development of the silk industry in Lyon and royal support established France as the epicentre of luxury fabric manufacture.
In the late 18th century, Rose Bertin, milliner to Queen Marie Antoinette, became the first celebrated fashion creator, further cementing French prestige.
According to the NCERT textbook on Fashion Design and Merchandising, France's dominance over international fashion began during the early 18th century.

Step 3: Evaluating the Options:
Early 18th century correctly marks the historical onset of French international dominance in fashion.
Final Answer:
Therefore, the correct answer is (C) Early 18th century.