A life-changing moment in Paris history, thanks to Napoleon III

A revolution was happening in 1852. The first thing that happened was that Napoleon III ordered his administrator, Baron Haussmann, to destroy many of the small streets to create broad avenues and change the face of Paris:

Next he installed a major system of railway lines, connecting small cities and towns all over France to Paris. Suddenly, it was easy (or relatively so) to get to Paris and people came– in droves. New roads and new railway lines bringing people and products across France created new prosperity, and the middle class– the Bourgeoisie– was born. This new class wanted to be seen and accepted in this new society, and to do so they needed easy access to fashionable clothing and furniture to fill their new homes. Thus the Department Store was born.

I know– how could life have existed without department stores you ask? If you think about it, before that time, the wealthy were able to afford to have all their clothes and furniture tailored to their specifications. The less wealthy simply made their own clothes and furnishings or used things that their families had owned for generations (iron skillets, or soup pots like Le Creuset, for instance).

The Musée des Arts décoratifs has a fascinating exhibit right now that talks about all these aspects of this truly monumental social evolution. Can you imagine how people felt the first time they walked in? Overwhelmed, awed, amazed.

Suddenly, anyone could walk in and buy a hat. Or gloves. Or an outfit.

Then, another new concept was introduced. The mail-order catalog. Why not order one’s furniture from a catalog? The stores could carry a display version but not need to find room for additional stock on site.

And what about the new opportunities for work? Jobs as sales people for young men and women that had never existed before. It was certainly not an easy life, but it offered another choice for young people trying to improve their living situations.

It was the first time that pre-made toys were on offer. Can you imagine the joy of parents who could now afford a special something for their children?

The first part of the exhibit is running right now until October 13, 2024 and the second part, which will focus on the social and cultural impact of the stores on society from then to today, will be at the https://www.citedelarchitecture.fr/fr and that exhibition will run from November 6th, 2024 to April 5, 2025. Enjoy!