Victorian and Edwardian Fashions for Women 1840 to 1919 (A Schiffer Book for Collectors With Value Guide)

Rating:
Summary: Book that misses author's own goal
Review: The author's goal to present original garments as would be worn on actual persons unfortunately fails. This is due to incorrect undergarments worn -- which therefor does not correctly show how the garment was to fit -- and wasn't this the point of the book according to the author's comments? In many circumstances clothing simply did not fit the wearer (blantent missue for original surviving garments). Garments were draped with the backs obviously left gaping open, or skirts dragging on the ground. It would have been much better to display the garments on well-fitted dress forms (available in museum supply catalogs) with correct support garments if the author was serious about showing fit. Although the photos are "pretty", this certainly does not contain academic information.

Rating:
Summary: Pretty, but problematic
Review: This is not a good book for the beginning costumer (who is, unfortunately, the intended audience). There are some wonderful clothes pictured--the variety of styles and types of clothing is helpful, as are the close-ups of embroidery and other trim. But, some items (both old photos and clothes) are misdated. While in most cases the error is only by a few years, two pieces are incorrectly dated by a decade or more. As a museum professional, I was also distressed by the wearing of antique clothing while also discussing methods of preservation. Museum associations, The Costume Society of America, and most vintage clothing collectors do NOT endorse wearing original garments. Someone with a solid background in costume history will still find this book a useful addition, but I would not recommend it as the first or only resource.

Rating:
Summary: These ARE authentic looking
Review: Unlike fashion plates, these are authen6ic fashoins shown much as they would show in period photographs.