Nineteenth Century Fashion in Detail [Paperback]

Lucy Johnston (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2009

Now in paperback with a new cover, this volume celebrates 19th-century fashion in lavishly illustrated detail. From the delicate embroidery on ballgowns to the vibrant synthetic colors of crinolines, the major themes of 19th-century fashion are explored as never before in this exquisite book. Featuring specially commissioned color photographs of garments from the V&A’s superb collection and many close-up details, alongside accurate line drawings of each garment’s underlying structure, the book's 150 pieces capture the opulence and variety of this fascinating era.

“ Perfect for those who want an authentic take on the latest Victorian trend.” –In Style

Editorial Reviews

Review

'A treasure for anyone fascinated by the history of fashion' Publishing News

About the Author

Lucy Johnston is curator of 19th-century fashion in the V&A’s Department of Furniture, Textiles & Fashion.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: V & A Publishing (April 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1851775722
• ISBN-13: 978-1851775729
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 0.7 x 11.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #37,047 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #23 in Books > Arts & Photography > Decorative Arts & Design > Textile & Costume
  • #40 in Books > Arts & Photography > Fashion
  • #53 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Beauty, Grooming, & Style > Style & Clothing

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

71 of 73 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential book for the historic costume fan October 25, 2005

By CYNTHIA ABEL

Format:Hardcover

I just got 19th Century Fashion in Detail by Lucy Johnston from Amazon.com and it is worth every penny. For those of us on the U.S. side of the pond, it is a companion volume to Fashion in Detail(17th and 18th centuries)and the photographed fashions(from the V&A collections)are every bit as drool worthy. The format is the same as the previous book and the World Fashion in Detail(I don't own both have seen this one): The left-hand page has a complete description and line drawing of an entire garmet or garmets. The right hand side of the page has a stunning full-color view of a detail and sometimes the entire garment or garments. The book covers men's and women's fashions, including shoes. It is divided into the usual sections like the other books that are a little offbeat as it is subjects, not strictly chronological. On the cover is a stunning magenta bustle dress of the mid 1870's that lovers of the bustle era will itch to copy. The dress is actually three pieces with two separate bodices which was pretty common among surviving dresses of the last half of the 19th c, and has both a back view of one bodice and a side view of the entire ensemble. One bodice is for day and the other a dinner(not short sleeved formal ball)bodice.

Get this as a Christmas gift for self or a friend who loves beautiful surviving fashions.

39 of 39 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A Wealth of Eye-Candy for Costume Lovers January 12, 2006

By Catherine Raymond VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

Like the previous "Fashion in Detail" books, this volume has excellent, close-up color photographs of beautiful finishing details. Unlike the previous "Fashion in Detail" books, there are also full-length photographs of a good many of the items featured--not simply line drawings as in the other books. A must-have for 19th century costume enthusiasts, and great fun for any lover of historic costume or fine sewing.

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars ALL the details! March 5, 2006

By Augusta Grey Owl

Format:Hardcover

The only thing you could wish for after reading this book is that the late, great Janet Arnold had graphed patterns of all them. This book is absolutely essential if you re-create older clothes and you want to know what fabrics actually looked and draped like. I found it especially helpful to have the descriptions give the fabric names and weaves, as well. The close up photos show the stitches, pleating, and trimmings. And what colors! The trims! Buy it before the unthinkable occurs--that the book goes out of print! If you can only buy one costume book this year, let this be the one.