Livre - 18th-century fashion in detail

A revealing study of the style and decoration of 18th-century fashion, this book features close-ups of the sharp pleats, high collars, gleaming pastes, colourful beads, elaborate buttons and intricate fringes found on garments of the period, from magnificent court mantuas and luxurious silk gowns, to sharply cut men’s coats and richly embroidered waistcoats. It explores the decorative techniques of painting, lacemaking and whitework, and intriguing uses of materials, such as straw and fur. Part of the ‘Fashion in Detail’ series, this new edition includes an illuminating text, and exquisite colour photography of garment details alongside line drawings and photographs. An illustrated introduction describes the makers and process of acquiring 18th-century fashion and its relationship with other decorative arts. Updated from the successful Historical Fashion in Detail, this book is an inspirational reference work and a fascinating introduction to the fashion of the era. Susan North is Curator of Fashion, 1550–1800, at the Victoria and Albert Museum. She co-curated ‘Style and Splendour: Queen Maud of Norway’s Wardrobe’ in 2005 and has published several books for the V&A.