The Essence of Style

France was not always the global hub of stylishness and panache, but it assumed that role on purpose. Before 1660, the world did not look to Paris for the latest trends in food and fashion. France became the indisputable arbiter of style and taste due to the deliberate efforts of King Louis XIV during “the half century between 1660” and his death in 1715. Today, world of luxury still feels his influence. getAbstract believes history buffs as well as modern style-makers will enjoy this fascinating history of the rise of haute couture and haute cuisine under King Louis. Professor Joan DeJean’s prose will remind you more of an insider sharing delicious, slightly scandalous secrets than of a formal history’s cold text. While this isn’t a light read, it is a captivating, thorough account of a particularly glamorous and creative time.