The French silk trade was established in Lyon during the Renaissance, but the prime market for the luxurious silk fabrics and elaborate designs of Lyon was 250 miles to the northwest, in Paris.
In the Ancien Régime, Lyon silk had three theaters. Lyon was the industry, with master-weavers, workers, and negotiants. The court of Versailles was the runway where new designs premiered for the nobility. And Paris was the retail market and ultimate fashion showcase for the wealthy bourgeoisie.
After the Revolution, the head-turning fashions made from the “fabriques de soie” (silk workshops) of Lyon continued to decorate the boulevards and salons of Paris.
Fortunes were made in Lyon silk, and Paris played a key economic role in it. The rising bourgeoisie and famed shops of Paris expanded the market for luxury goods. And the French government, centralized in Paris, dictated production rules and quality standards for Lyon silk, while tapping revenues from the industry.
In “Silken Sisters in Commerce,” we examine a number of historic developments and cultural dynamics that have tied together Paris and Lyon. They include modern Commerce, the Industrial Revolution, the Worker’s Movement, Migrations and Cultural Crossover.
About the Presenter
Roger Mummert (www.rogermummert.com) is a writer whose work on culture and travel has appeared in the New York Times and elsewhere. He is the creator of www.theparisproject.net and the newsletter “Paris” A City of Ideas.”
For questions and inquiries, please contact federation@afusa.org
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💻 Location: Online (a link will be sent upon registration)
📅 Date: Thur. Sept, 17
⏰ Time: 1PM - 2PM
👥 Level: All levels - In English
🎟️ Fee: free for members ; $10 non-members
An event offered by the Fédération des Alliances françaises - USA and a presentation by Roger Mummert of www.theparisproject.net