Letnie Salony Warszawy, czyli o modzie spacerowej warszawiaków w II połowie XIX wieku

The article presents an overview of a Warsaw walking outfit worn in the second half of 19th century that would have been seen in popular socializing places such as The Saxon Gardens, The Swiss Valley, and The Royal Baths Park. At the time Warsaw was known as “The Paris of the North”, and drew inspiration from many fashion magazines in the West. This allowed the magazines to dictate the contemporary fashion trends, which were instantly followed by the Varsovian elite. The press shaped people’s tastes; it showed the way they should dress as well as it encouraged them to pay a visit to the nearest tailor; meanwhile the press always paid attention to the latest popular fashion trends. Indeed, the clothing have always played the part of transmitting information about its wearer, for example revealing his or hers social status. Therefore the outfit itself, or rather its display required certain places, as well as publicity and favourable circumstances in order to make a good impression with one’s garments. Not only the carnival festivals but also the Varsovian balls were opportunities to present one’s outfit in the best way. Furthermore, the Varsovian elite liked to regularly show off their fashionable clothes during their everyday strolls. All of a sudden, public parks, gardens or plazas were becoming the capital’s summer salons, as the women were demonstrating their elaborate gowns adorned with precious jewellery and fancy chapeaux. The men weren’t left behind either in this trend. Men’s cuts and colours of clothing or elegant top hats were an object of admiration as well. From the second half of the 19 th century the Varsowian press provides the prime source for such research: “Tygodnik Ilustrowany”, “Bluszcz”, “Kłosy”, “Tygodnik Mód”, “Kurier Warszawski” or “Świt” and memoirs concerning Warsaw. The historical and cultural issues of Warsaw were dissussed on the grounds of works of a.o. Areksander Gieysztor, Janusz Durko, Karol Mórawski or Jan Bystroń. Any other information about social life in Warsaw was taken from the 19th century guide books of Warsaw.