18th Century Fashion in Detail

by Susan North

This beautifully illustrated book reveals the decorative seams, refined stitching, voluptuous drapery, strict corseting, slashing, and stamping that make up some of the garments in the Victoria and Albert Museum s superlative fashion collection. With an authoritative text, exquisite color photography of garment details, and line drawings showing the complete construction of each piece, the reader has the unique opportunity to examine up close historical clothing that is often too fragile to be on display.

It is an inspirational resource for students, collectors, designers, and anyone who is fascinated by fashion and clothing.This new edition features an updated design, improved navigation, a comprehensive index, and an introduction that sets the examples in full historical context.

Genres: Fashion, Nonfiction, History, Fashion History, 18th Century, Art, Georgian

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2016

Reviews

[Katerina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The introduction to the book was most concise and informative, summarizing all the trends and highlights of the 18th century fashion (in Britain, mostly). The abovementioned details would be further illustrated in the main body of the volume.

However, much as I enjoyed tracing the developments and change in costume, e.g. the shape of cuffs and type of embroidery, I'd love to be able to admire the whole garment. Alas, the book, though beautifully illustrated, with details of amazing photographic quality, fails to provide the photographs of the outfits described. For the most garments, there are only blueprints drawn in pencil.

Well, I guess it's called ... Fashion in Detail for a reason.

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Очень красиво изданная книга - ах, какие манжеты, кружева, вышивка, корсажи! - но не зря называется "Мода в деталях": в основном, наряды представлены именно (шикарными) фотографиями деталей, а целиком нарисован только карандашный силуэт. А хотелось бы пиджачишко мистера Дарси рассмотреть целиком!

[April Munday · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book. The photographs are amazing in their detail. It's a book I'll return to again and again.

[Liselotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely GORGEOUS book. I'm absolutely in love!

[Lokita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cosplayers, thespians, costumers, historic fiction writers, re-enactors, and general fashion nerds rejoice! I've found you the 18th-century holy grail! The close-up shots of the handmade lace and embroidery, with detailed notes and historical background, are a real treasure. While I knew what a waistcoat and breeches were, I never knew how many variations there were on the theme, or how richly detailed each piece could be. If you ever need a reference for this time period, I can't recommend it enough.

[Susan Liston · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books are so very cool, these garments are incredible. My only gripe is one I've had with other "in detail" books, and that is there are drawings of the entire garment, but only rarely a photo. I want to see a picture of the whole thing!

[Nightingale Crosby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed it! I do not read a whole lot of non-fiction books but I thought this looked interesting. I learned a good bit and the photos were really pretty. The craftsmanship and skill required to make some of these garments is incredible.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say, I love fashion history.

I've been using this sourcebook on and off for a while now and it is always informative and worth my time. It explains perfectly why all those complicated looking portraits and cartoons of the time made sense and how they were used.

[Noema · Rating 5 out of 5]

Total porn. But also, very educational!

[Hanna Lyons · Rating 5 out of 5]

a really great perspective on the details of 18th century (European) fashion!!!

[SassieMolassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The detail was gorgeous! I loved seeing the embossing and embroidery present. Especially in some of the men's wear. The waistcoats were swoon worthy.

[Bree Lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Filled with wonderfully detailed photographs and fashion plates, this book is an amazing guide to historic fashion within the 1700s. Covering everything from fur to pleats to buttons, if you are interested in fashion history, I would highly recommend.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful pictures

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Excellent photos. Good reference for understanding 18th century fashion details. I would have liked more photos of the actual piece of clothing mentioned along with the drawing.