Serge, I was just looking last night at the painting of Madame de Recamier. Not only did the ladies of the era wear flimsy gowns in an attempt to look like Greek statuary, they would wet them down so the the folds would cling the same way. It is a wonder that more didn't die of chills! The shawls were lovely, and part of what a lady needed to learn was how to handle one gracefully. Thank you, Carolly