#incroyables

Les Incroyables (Muscadins) in 1795 by Eustache Lorsay, 1865. (AKA Auguste-Hilaire Eugène Lampsonius)

Muscadins were the odd heroes of the frenzy of extravaganza and pleasure-seeking that gripped Paris right after the Terror, and again during the Directory period (1795-1799) when they became known as incroyables. These flashy youths revived not only neoclassical garb, but also an Anglomania-inspired casualness that went so far as to promote a “used” look. Le Messager des Dames even claimed in 1796 that the height of fashion required that the tailor’s scissors “slip” when finishing some detail. Many muscadins, in fact, were craftsmen, shop assistants and errand boys in the luxury garment trades (wig-makers, tailors, shoe-makers, hat-makers). All were drawn to the idea of distinguished appearance.

What’s up with Left Incroyable’s hand

Français Sous Le Directoire, Mode Dite Des Incroyables.