The Evolution of Fashion: Pattern and Cut from 1066 to 1930

by Margot Hamilton Hill, Peter Arthur Bucknell

This classic and extremely popular book contains 56 full-page drawings in period settings that illustrate male and female dress over ten centuries. A dressmaker's pattern is drawn to scale for each illustration, and there are 112 patterns.

Genres: Fashion, Nonfiction, History, Reference

240 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1967

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reference book, with clear, detailed illustrations and a wealth of information. What I loved was that in addition to the standard information about what styles were popular at a given time, the book includes what fabrics were commonly used, what colors, what decorations, how movement was affected, etc, etc. And the focus is on both male and female costume, which is always appreciated! Thorough and very educational - a must read for anyone interested in historical fashion.

[V{ictor Alvarado · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've found this book by Margaret Hamilton and Peter Bucknell really worthy in reconstructing successfully costumes from past eras, specially by means of the concise instructions and notes given. The book really shows in detail the evolution of fashion and human ideas about beauty and comfort. Of course, you'll need some knowledge of traditional cut and sewing, besides a special skill to make undergarments and corsetry. You only have to be careful with the enlargement of the patterns and final cut of the clothes, since it is possible to find cuffs, collars, and hats (yes, there are patterns for them too!) a little bigger or unflattering for the look you are looking for. The amount of patterns is enormous and the corresponding illustrations very artistic and helpful. You will understand the misteries of such tricky fashions as the Burgundian gowns, the gigot sleeves of the Romantic era or the bustled skirts of the late Victorian years.

[Lydia Gastrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled to run across this book by mistake (I didn't even know it existed, otherwise I would have hunted it down a long time ago). I was really after patterns from that transition between Rococo and Regency, and it did not disappoint.

The book is well laid out with an even repetition for each garment: Information on the left page, illustration on the right, then men's patterns on the next left page and women's on the right. The book is designed for people who already know something about historical fashions and reproducing them, so you don't have to wade through a big history lesson or unnecessary construction repetitions.

One must note, however, that these patterns come with virtually no construction help at all. You have to already know how the assemble them and what else to do.

[Phair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where was this book in the long-ago heyday of my costume-making? Nice, simple pattern pieces for each style both female AND male and a wide range of periods. No sewing instructions are included so you have to know a bit about putting it all together but at least the basic shapes are there. One full page B&W drawing of each era showing male & female figures in a typical setting give some clues for stage design and period posture & accessories as well as costume itself so this book is a good bet for a small theatre group. A facing page gives succinct description of the style including colors & fabrics and a few hints on construction. Two pages with pattern pieces follow. My copy is the 1973 printing of the 1967 hardcover edition.

[Katy Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent research fantastic line drawing recommend to artists historians and the dramatic arts