"Queen of Fashion" by Caroline Weber is an engrossing historical account that uncovers the influence and power wielded by 18th-century French queen, Marie Antoinette, in shaping the world of fashion.

Weber begins by examining Marie Antoinette's early arrival at the French court, and her intense enthusiasm for all things fashion-related. Through meticulous research, the author delves into the queen's partnerships with influential designers such as Rose Bertin, whose innovative creations defined the era's sartorial trends.

In addition to exploring Marie Antoinette's personal style choices, Weber uncovers the economic implications of the queen's fashion-focused reign, detailing the impact Louis XVI's court had on various industries, from textile production to jewelry.

Weber deftly portrays how Marie Antoinette's fashion choices were not merely personal indulgences, but crafty political maneuvers aimed at retaining her precarious status within the monarchy. By meticulously crafting her image through fashion, Marie Antoinette endeavored to solidify her position, often employing fashion as a subtle means of asserting power and control.

Through anecdotes and supporting evidence, Weber elucidates the queen's undeniable influence on shaping the cultural landscape of 18th-century France. The author also examines the complex relationship between Marie Antoinette and the French public, who scrutinized her fashion choices and often criticized her extravagance, even as they eagerly sought to emulate her signature style.

"Queen of Fashion" serves as a captivating exploration of how Marie Antoinette's sartorial choices played a pivotal role in both her personal life and the political climate of her time. Weber's well-researched analysis sheds light on the cultural, economic, and social significance of fashion in 18th-century France, ultimately revealing the queen's lasting impact on the world of haute couture.