18Th-Century Fashion in Detail

Synopsis

This beautifully illustrated book reveals the sharp pleats, high collars, gleaming pastes, colourful beads, elaborate buttons and intricate lacework that make up some of the garments in the Victoria and Albert Museum's extensive fashion collection. With an expertly written text by one of the museum's fashion curators and exquisite colour photography of garment details, complemented by line drawings and photographs, the reader has the unique opportunity to examine up close historical clothing that is often too fragile to be on display. It is an inspirational resource for students, collectors, designers and anyone who is fascinated by fashion and costume.

This new edition features an updated design, fresh content and new research, and an introduction that focuses on the makers and processes involved in producing 18th-century fashion.

Summary

Chapter 1: Dress in the Early 18th Century

* Summary: Summarizes the key fashion trends of the early 18th century, emphasizing the transition from the elaborate Baroque style to a more restrained aesthetic.
* Example: Women's mantua gowns, with their fitted bodices and full skirts supported by hoops, gradually gave way to less voluminous robes.

Chapter 2: Accessories and Embellishments

* Summary: Explores the wide range of accessories and embellishments that complemented 18th-century dress, including fans, jewelry, and lace.
* Example: Gentlemen wore tricorne hats adorned with feathers or braid, while ladies carried elaborately carved tortoiseshell snuffboxes.

Chapter 3: Formal Dress and Special Occasions

* Summary: Examines the distinctive attire worn for formal occasions, such as court presentations and balls.
* Example: Women donned lavish ball gowns with low necklines and opulent beadwork, while men wore embroidered coats and breeches.

Chapter 4: Country Attire and Riding Habits

* Summary: Describes the practical and stylish clothing worn for outdoor activities, such as hunting and riding.
* Example: Ladies wore riding habits featuring close-fitting jackets and skirts with multiple layers of undergarments.

Chapter 5: Masculine Attire and Military Uniforms

* Summary: Analyzes the evolution of men's fashion, with a focus on the influence of military uniforms and the emergence of tailored suits.
* Example: The frock coat, initially worn as a military uniform, became a popular civilian garment.

Chapter 6: Shoes and Hats

* Summary: Examines the diverse styles of shoes and hats that completed 18th-century outfits.
* Example: Women wore pointed-toe shoes with high heels, while men preferred low-heeled buckled shoes.

Chapter 7: Underwear and Body Clothing

* Summary: Provides an overview of the intimate garments worn beneath the elaborate outer clothing, including chemises, corsets, and breeches.
* Example: Women wore stays to achieve a desired body shape, while men wore linen shirts and drawers.

Chapter 8: Fashionable Fabrics and Textiles

* Summary: Discusses the various fabrics and textiles used in 18th-century clothing, from luxurious silks to delicate lace.
* Example: Silk damasks were popular for formal gowns, while chintz and cotton were used for day dresses.

Chapter 9: Fashionable Hairstyles and Wigs

* Summary: Explores the extravagant hairstyles and wigs that characterized 18th-century fashion, including towering powdered wigs and intricate hairpieces.
* Example: Women wore towering wigs adorned with jewels and feathers, while men powdered their own hair or wore wigs in a variety of styles.