This famous archive of clothing styles presents a magnificent display of authentic 18th- and 19th-century fashions for women. Thirty-two complete costumes and three blouses - all shown in color and in black-and-white - have been faithfully interpreted by noted theatrical designer Aline Bernstein, one of the founders of the Costume Institute at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art. and who was made famous by Thomas Wolfe's portrayal of her in The Web and the Rock.
Meticulously rendered to reveal the most minute details are exquisitely embroidered, full-skirted dresses circa 1700; a high-waisted Empire dress from Austria, with a dainty floral border at the hem (1800); a plaid hoop-skirted dress with wide, flowing sleeves (I860); a splendid silk dress with an extended bustle and pleated overskirt (1880); and many other sumptuous outfits.
Each authentic, expertly rendered costume is accompanied by detailed descriptive text, and line drawings of shoes, underclothes, hoop skirts, panniers (a framework used to puff out the skirt at the hips), gloves, hats, shoes, and hair styles appropriate to the period.
Fashion designers as well as students of theater and the history of costume will find much inspiration in this handsome collection, as will designers of period productions for the stage, motion pictures, and television. Anyone interested in the beautiful fashions of bygone days will also be thrilled with this impressive collection featuring superb examples from two centuries of women's clothing styles.