jjares reviewed Fashions in the Era of Jane Austen: Ackermann's Repository of Arts on + 3413 more book reviews
Having read all of Jane Austen's novels and dozens of Regency novels, I was aware of some of the rules of dressing during the early 1800s. This book makes a point to underline the fact that clothing shouted one's social status. One also dressed fashionably to be attractive to the opposite sex.
As I read through the descriptions of the fashions, it is obvious that Great Britain was in its heyday; Chinese silks, fabrics came from India, French cambric, Armenian collars, and lots of other goods from around the world.
Fashionistas copied the symbols and art of Egypt; the hats of the Polish aristocracy, and the furs from Russia.
Every dress was coordinated; their wardrobes must have been quite extensive. Because each gown was totally coordinated, they must have traveled with massive amounts of luggage. What I still don't understand is how men (or other women) noticed that a dress was from the previous season! I read this in books all the time; they put each other down by noticing that the fashion is from a previous year. That means that all people did was follow fashion. The book mentioned that fashion was an important part of society. No kidding.
When I jumped from early fashions (1809) to very late (1820) dresses, it was easy to see the change in the gowns. However, from one year to the next, I had much more difficulty discerning the differences. Obviously, I was not meant to be an early British fashionista.
If I were writing a book about the era between 1800 and 1820, this book would be a wonderful reference. The descriptions are extensive and thorough; one could completely dress a female from the illustrations and descriptions provided in this book. My only complaint was the formatting. I wish the illustration of the garments and the descriptions were on the same page. I tried using an iPad and a desktop to get all of that on the same page -- no go.
As I read through the descriptions of the fashions, it is obvious that Great Britain was in its heyday; Chinese silks, fabrics came from India, French cambric, Armenian collars, and lots of other goods from around the world.
Fashionistas copied the symbols and art of Egypt; the hats of the Polish aristocracy, and the furs from Russia.
Every dress was coordinated; their wardrobes must have been quite extensive. Because each gown was totally coordinated, they must have traveled with massive amounts of luggage. What I still don't understand is how men (or other women) noticed that a dress was from the previous season! I read this in books all the time; they put each other down by noticing that the fashion is from a previous year. That means that all people did was follow fashion. The book mentioned that fashion was an important part of society. No kidding.
When I jumped from early fashions (1809) to very late (1820) dresses, it was easy to see the change in the gowns. However, from one year to the next, I had much more difficulty discerning the differences. Obviously, I was not meant to be an early British fashionista.
If I were writing a book about the era between 1800 and 1820, this book would be a wonderful reference. The descriptions are extensive and thorough; one could completely dress a female from the illustrations and descriptions provided in this book. My only complaint was the formatting. I wish the illustration of the garments and the descriptions were on the same page. I tried using an iPad and a desktop to get all of that on the same page -- no go.
