The Arlesian women’s costume dates back to the middle of the 18th century and results from the desire of the women of this region to dress differently from others.
It changed according to Parisian styles and at different periods : the “droulet” or short-sleeved jacket, the “Louis-Philippe”, the style of Napoléon III. Léo Lelée immortalized the stricking silhouette of the graceful Arlesian woman.

It adopted its final, simplified form at the end of the 19th century.
Today this costume is worn for festive occasions in Arles. The headdress with its famous velvet ribbon appeared around 1835.