Customer Reviews

Style & Splendor: The Wardrobe of Queen Maud of Norway 1896-1938

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

All of the books on historical fashion published by the Victoria & Albert Museum are beautiful, and this is no exception. I saw this exhibition while I was in London this summer and I was pleasantly surprised at liking the book because I always assumed that publications wouldn't be able to measure up to seeing the garments in person. Instead I found that the book gives me a chance to appreciate each beautiful garment at my leisure, and read the history about Queen Maud (which gives a context and feeling of `realness' to the clothing). The book features Edwardian coronation gowns (literally, Maud wore one for the coronation of Edward VII, her father), sportswear (riding gowns etc.), and dresses and suits through the late 30's all beautifully photographed and described.

Beautiful book. Beautiful images. I wanted MORE images but that's just me.

Cool to see some other designers works besides the greats like Dior and Balenciaga. There are a few outfits that really take my breath away. If it had more images I would have given it 5 stars! but it really is a 5 star book for most people.

This book is excellent for costuming ideas. It has large, sharp pictures that show the details on the dresses beautifully.

I never tire of this gorgeous book. The clothes are breathtaking and the photographs of very high quality. The text is informative and well edited. My taste runs more to mid-20th century clothing, except when I have this book in front of me.

This book, while an excellent publication by the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, England, is not as interesting as some might lead you to believe.

Admittedly, the dresses in this book are astounding (you should flip through this book at least once to see them) ... but there are very few pictures of Queen Maud wearing any of the items themselves. The pictures are also quite small and seem dwarfed by the writing below them.

Overall, I give this book 3 stars, because while it is interesting, it is definitely not something you would want to look at again and again. Don't waste your money ... just rent it from the library!

I am thrilled to own this book at last! It is one of the finest examples of extant Edwardian haute couture I've ever come across. Absolutely splendid examples of the genre. It is a must for Edwardian era fashion collectors.

Great book!! another Bible for me for great design and detail for young designers .