TOULOUSE
Sales, catalogues, fashion shows, lace, corsets and crinolines… Let us tell you about the Belle Époque, when the big modern brands revolutionised the codes of commerce and society.
At the dawn of the 20th century, Toulouse was trying to find its place between a large market town and a small capital of the South. On one side, there were the shops scattered throughout the Saint-Rome district, between the country marketplaces.
On the other side, Haussmannian developments, the arrival of the train and the rise of the press helped to spread fashion and new ideas. Among other things, the Bazar Universel, the Dames de France, and the aura of Art Nouveau architecture allowed the elegance of Parisian codes to spread. In addition, the emergence of women in this new society pushed brands to compete in originality and seduction, both in advertising and in commercial practices.
During this tour, you will discover that the evolution of department stores is a fascinating topic that reveals how a city builds its prestige. A brand builds its identity through its products and the architecture of its store, but also through the character of its inhabitants. We hope to sell you a dream!
