Instead of using patterns, King Louis

…of France sent DOLLS wearing the latest fashion to women of nobility, so they would know what to wear to court. The French textile AND doll industries did well into the late 1800’s because of the dolls.

(photos: left: French court model late 1800’s doll; right: modern reproduction of a late 1700’s “King Louis Fashion Doll”;  bottom:  19th century fashion pattern doll)