Contraption

May 23, 2009, 8:20 am • Tags: , ,

icon_09A pouf is a style of hair which came about in 18th Century France. First used by Marie Antoinette, it became popular among the wealthy women of France. 

Developed in conjunction with hairdresser Monsieur Leonard, the pouf consisted of a scaffolding made from wire, cloth, gauze, horsehair and fake hair, with the wearer’s own hair teased high off the forehead. On top of this huge confection of hair was a display of feathers, flowers, vegetables or other objects designed to express a topical message. For example, Marie-Antoinette commissioned a huge pouf showcasing an intricate hairdo displaying a French frigate that won a key victory against the British in June 1778.

The pouf was adapted by woman of class based on current events. For example, during the American Revolution poufs included model ships to show support for the Americans and their war against the British. During the French Revolution women took the pouf hairstyle and turned it to their favours to support the revolution. The pouf became popular among many women across Europe and the United Kingdom.

It was not an easy hairstyle to adopt. The underlying contraption was heavy and difficult to sleep in. Marie Antoinette would have had to wrap her head in a huge bandage-like wrap and sleep semi-upright. And since grease was used to glue the hair in place, the pouf was impossible to wash and fostered breeding grounds for vermin. But this did not stop other women from emulating the French Queen of Fashion. One lady of the court declared “I shall never again wear anything but vegetables! It looks so simple, and is so much more natural than flowers!”

Unfortunately, the pouf also corresponded to a time of bad harvests and harsh winters in France. Appearing at the opera, theatre and parties in her wedding cake-like coiffure, Marie Antoinette flouted her lifestyle in the face of a starving nation. It was particularly horrifying to hungry peasants that the whiteness of the pouf coiffure came from flour. Popular opinion turned from admiration to distaste and Marie Antoinette’s willingness to consider more serious matters was questioned.