Mode et chevalerie Compétition et consommation dans Le Petit Jehan de Saintré

Drawing on theories of consumption and modern fashion, as well as medieval fashion systems, this article argues that, in Le Petit Jehan de Saintré by Antoine de La Sale, Jehan’s success at court is directly linked to his ability to properly present himself within the court’s fashion system. By expanding the considerations of the process involved in the preparation for becoming a chevalier, men’s fashion is revealed to be a barrier to entry into courtly society.