5 comments about The Evolution of Fashion: Pattern and Cut from 1066 to 1930.

1. A great book covering from the year 1066 to 1930. Includes patterns for undergarments, outfits and accessories.
   Includes hats, caps, and bonnets.
   Easy to use, and very informing.



2. I have been using this book for years to help with designing costumes for various Community Theatres and Madrigal Groups. Though the costumes themselves are English, they give you a wonderful idea of what was popular for the elite from every western country during a wide range of periods. The best part of this book is the fact that you can tell they did their research. From the way people changed their movement, to the undergarments that were needed to support the clothing, to how they were decorated, I could go on for another page. It is the perfect resource for anyone who designs for a living or just for fun.



3. In the words of the authors, "Fashion is the translation of the wearer's personality into the language of clothes," and this volume is a comprehensive overview of the changes in the ideal personality as reflected in the dress of English court dressers, interpreted through secondary sources (paintings, prints, carvings, sculptures and manuscript drawings) during the reign of 31 English monarchs. For each of 56 eras in fashion, clear and detailed B/W drawings (by Hill) of male and female adult dress are presented with a thorough overview (by Bucknell) of general characteristics of the fashion including headware, shoes, and undergarments and a summary of trends in decoration, accessories, movement for both genders, padding and restriction, and typical fabrics and colors. For all illustrated outerwear garments, 1/8" scale pattern shapes (by Bucknell) are provided as a base for adaptation for those interested in re=creation, and are simplified and presented without seam allowances or construction notes. No information is given on construction of foundation garments (corsets, hoops, panniers, padding) which are necessary for many of the garments shown. The book is intended to assist theater designers, cutters, illustrators, costume history drudents, and actors in achieving an accurate silhouette for a given period, and I would say it amply fulfills this goal. Some construction suggestions for theater use are included but nothing on the level of a mainstream fashion pattern, so this book should not be a sole resource for an average home sewer contemplating a period halloween costume. Minimal illustration of placement of details such as pleats, pockets, buttonholes or casings. Patterns have no notches or facing pieces, merely reference letters to mark attachment points on complex constructions. No garments beyond English court dress are covered, so don't look here for Chinese Imperial fashion or Eastern European peasant garb. I found "the big pink book" at a Ren Faire vendors' row and have enjoyed the thoughtful consideration of fashions from the past on many occasions, including construction of a 1550's/1560's era court gown for my wedding. It was particularly helpful to examine the outline of pattern shapes for sleeves and skirts that have not been in fashion for centuries, particularly for the very complex shapes such as bustles, layered flounces, intricate pleating, and extensive boning or wiring. As a professional costumer, I would love to see an index added that might allow readers to review what eras were associated with a particular element of fashion (for example: velvety fabrics, circular hoops, false buttonholes, use of bows as decoration, pastel colors, or very restrictive skirts) but this is minor and the book is quite functional sans index. All in all, a fine and indispensable reference in my library.



4. This book was the primary text in a costume history course I took in college, and it still stands out among the many costume books I've since accumulated as one of the most helpful. For those concentrating on a particular period who want to see lots of variations within that period--for example, those who are concerned with the difference between an 1853 sleeve and an 1854 sleeve--this is not for them: it depicts the basic style of each period and in written text describes the popular fabrics, trends, and design variations. As an overview that shows what people were wearing during the reign of every English monarch from 1066 to 1930, it is unsurpassed. Where other costume books tend to be vague and skimpy on pre-16th-century styles, this text clearly indicates what year a style belongs to and does not lump together a few drawings as examples of "medieval dress." The book includes patterns for every major garment pictured, but these, as other reviewers have noted, are not for novices. All in all, this is a wonderful book for a variety of purposes.



5. This book has some FABULOUS ideas and variations, but the patterns are all 1/8th scale and there is NO detail as to what goes with what (directions for sewing) or even suggestions for fabric. For designs and ideas, especially for SCA and Renaissance, its Faboo, but you need to have a background in costuming or at least some serious sewing to make this stuff look good. Definitely requires skills beyond the basics. SIMPLICITY it is not = (

No comments about Promotion in the Merchandising Environment.

No comments about Paris Fashion: A Cultural History.

No comments about The Knitter's Guide to Sweater Design.

No comments about Fashionable Clothing: From the Sears Catalogs, Early 1950s (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

No comments about Sustainable Fashion: Why Now?: A Conversation Exploring Issues, Practices, and Possibilities.

No comments about Walking Dreams: Salvatore Ferragamo, 1898-1960.

5 comments about Les Petites Dames de Mode: An Adventure in Design.

1. This is a wonderful book. The photography shows every detail of the exquisite designs, which are breath-taking. The commentary is very interestsing and gives an insight into life in the 1800's according to the way women dressed. I would love to be able to wear any of the fabulous dresses shown.



2. This book by Mr. Burbidge is a feast for the eyes. The book features dozens of 29-inch fashion dolls wearing costumes from the 1850s to around 1914. Being oversized dolls, each costume can have incredible detail. Mr. Burbidge has labored to create accurate period detail in each dress. Each doll is shown in a full-page picture with period hairstyles and accessories. Each accompanying page includes a description of the outfit, small inset pictures of close details, an interesting quote from historical sources about the time period and usually some tidbit about where the author found the material for the gown. Frequently the author will explain things about high society of the era and how certain items would be viewed - for instance, whether a gown would be considered racy because of its color or how young ladies didn't wear expensive jewelry with a gown until after they were married.
   
   There are only 2 things that I found lacking about this book and they are really trivial items in my mind. The first is that the color of the full-page images is sometimes a bit "off". The dolls often feature very soft colors and the images have a warm tone that can wash them out. The inset detail shots usually have a better color representation.
   
   The second is that the reader should not expect accurate period undergarments on the dolls. The crinolines and petticoats are fairly accurate, but there are no corsets shown.
   
   All in all, the book is beautiful and informative. If you didn't know better, you would almost think the images were of full-size mannequins dressed in real period costumes. And the accompanying text is suitable for anyone, even if they have no knowledge of the eras shown.



3. If you're into miniatures, or just fabulous seamestry, you will love this book and this man's work with textiles, and fashion of a romantic era like none you've seen. These are fashions we will never see again in our society, (thank goodness - can't imagine wearing this stuff). But at the same time, I love to see how elegant and fabulous ladies looked in these garments. This man was responsible for making some of the most fabulous wedding gowns in our country for over a decade and now has preserved for us a fashion era that won't be brought back in it's entirety ever again. A must see for those that are into preserving a culture and miniatures.



4. This book is a total delight for fans of couture, especially La Belle Epoch. Nothing will compare to seeing the exquisite Les Petites Dames in person, but this book comes close! I was fortunate enough to acquire some of these pictures when they were marketed in small groups, so I was thrilled to find that Mr. Burbidge had since expanded the collection and subsequently published it in its entirety (also the book goes into more detail). Just loved it!!



5. I found this book very useful as a source for inspiration. Good quality pictures of very Victorian looking dresses. It is not a "how to" book, but if you have some experience in sewing, there you can find good ideas how it all must look then finished.

3 comments about Jean Shrimpton: An Autobiography.

1. One day when I had a little too much time on my hands, I decided to Google Jean Shrimpton, the obsession of my teen years. Little did I know I'd be in for this great ride! I obtained this book on Amazon, used, and was amazed at how much I loved it. The writing is decent enough, but the facts, the facts! I was so excited to learn about the interesting details of this woman's life. Clearly, she was insecure as all get outeven with her outstanding looks and struggled with money. The sensibilities we have today regarding supermodels is we think they are all rich. Shrimpton made very little plus the world of modeling was so different then. It seems way more honest. The models did their own makeup and it appears plastic surgery wasn't the norm as it is today.
   
   I am happy to read Jean Shrimpton finally latched onto a passion she really loved as well as a man who didn't pretty much disregard and disrespect her.
   
   Read this book for sure if you have ANY interest! Great time.



2. As a kid growing up in the 1960s & '70s, I LOVED the yummy Yardley of London products & thought Jean Shrimpton, the beautiful young British woman who modeled them, the epitome of hip glam.
   How fabulous to read her autobiography years later, and discover someone who, beneath the makeup & groovy clothing, could easily be a good friend.
   She tells her story in a forthright manner; it makes for an entertaining snapshot of the times & the places, but is more engaging for her down to earth assessment of what is really valuable in a life; what really counts for the most in the end. And she, like me, has definitely come to the conclusion that fame isn't all it's cracked up to be.



3. So often 'celebrity' autobiographies are tremendously disappointing. In fact, you probably wouldn't expect too much from some girl who was a succesful model forty years ago...BUT...you'd be wrong. This is a really top notch autobiography. She writes with an honesty and intimacy that draws you in from start to finish.

   Jean Shrimpton, like so many who had sudden stardom and massive international success, during the 'Swinging London' era, has an interesting story to tell. She tells it with wit, intelligence and good humour.

1 comments about Jane Austen Fashion : Fashion and Needlework in the Works of Jane Austen.

1. This is a lovely little book with numerous color pictures, mostly fashion plates, and decorative chapter headings. The title of the chapter is in red, there is an orange decoration, and then the first letter is enlarged and printed in blue, a very pretty effect. Further, the author, Penelope Byrde, is curator at the fabulous Bath Museum of Costume and an established expert in the field. If one is looking for a good introduction to the era's costumes, especially one that is visually pleasing as well as informative, this is a great choice. I would consider it as particularly suited as a gift to someone just learning about the era.
   
   The discussions are tied into Jane Austen's life and works, with extensive quotations of her novels, letters, and family accounts. These are carefully annotated. The bibliiography deals with sources about Austen, rather than further costume references.
   
   I suppose that this does offer a great deal for people who are truly knowledgeable about the subject, but for those of us who know a bit, but not a lot, it is still useful. It seems that I always learn a bit more than I knew. The pictures alone may make one want the book, even if one does have other sources, and one does have the assurance that Byrde is authoritative.
   
   I am left with one question: is the very different silhouette shown in Niklaus von de Heideloff's plates (late 18th to very early 19th century) entirely due to changes in fashion (i.e., the narrowing of skirts, or did he just like to draw women with more abundant figures?