Incroyables

Incroyables were a fashionable youth movement in France during the late 18th century, notable for their distinctive and flamboyant style. Emerging around 1795 during the period of the French Revolution’s aftermath, the Incroyables, meaning "Incredibles" or "Incredible ones," were characterized by their extravagant clothing, bold accessories, and distinctive hairstyles.

The movement was largely composed of young men eager to express individuality and defy traditional fashion norms following the upheaval of the revolution. Their attire often included tight-fitting coats, high-waisted trousers, cravats, and large, exaggerated cravats or neckerchiefs. Hairstyles ranged from towering wigs and pomaded hair to elaborate arrangements that drew considerable attention. Women in the movement adopted similarly flamboyant styles, with ornate dresses, elaborate coiffures, and accessories.

The Incroyables also distinguished themselves through their demeanor and social attitudes, embodying a rebellious spirit and a desire for personal expression. The movement was, in part, a reaction against the austerity and uniformity imposed by revolutionary ideals, substituting restraint with expressive flamboyance.

Despite their brief prominence, the Incroyables left a lasting impact on fashion history by influencing the development of late 18th-century styles. Their eccentric clothing and hairstyles are often cited as early expressions of individualism and avant-garde aesthetics, foreshadowing later fashion movements.

Today, the Incroyables are remembered as a colorful and rebellious facet of post-revolutionary French culture, symbolizing youth, innovation, and the shifting attitudes toward fashion and social norms during a turbulent period in history.