A must read: The Essence of Style...how the french invented high fashion, fine food, chic cafes, style, and glamour. By Joan DeJean.

[davidh]

If you all haven't checked out The Essence of Style by Joan DeJean you need to do so asap. It is a fun read about how the French got the reputation for being fancy and how they have been running with that ever since, starting with King Louis XIV. The book was published in '05.

The Essence of Style

What makes fashionistas willing to pay a small fortune for a particular designer accessory? Why does a special occasion only become really special ...

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