Victorian and Edwardian Fashion

Book Details:

• Author: Alison Gernsheim

• Publisher: Dover

• Language: English

• Edition: Annotated Edition

• ISBN: 9780486242057

• Pages: 240

• Cover: Paperback

• Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches

• Weight: Not provided

About the Book

History of Fashion in Photography by Alison Gernsheim is a groundbreaking work that provides the first complete history of fashion through the lens of photography. This annotated edition combines 235 carefully selected and captioned photographs with insightful commentary on Victorian and Edwardian fashion, making it an invaluable resource for both fashion enthusiasts and photography historians.

Originally, Gernsheim's intent was to use photographs to date her collection of vintage fashion pieces, but she quickly realized that these photographs, taken by some of the most renowned photographers of the era, became the best fashion plates of the time. The book spans from the pre-crinoline days of the 1840s to the changing styles of the late 19th century. Readers are treated to a visual feast, featuring styles from crinolines, bustles, to top hats and frock coats, as well as more intimate, behind-the-scenes glimpses of the fashionable elite, including the likes of Oscar Wilde, Lillie Langtry, and even Queen Victoria herself.

The photographs offer authentic depictions of fashion, complete with descriptive captions and historical annotations, providing a comprehensive view of the clothes, accessories, and hairstyles that defined the era. Additionally, Gernsheim’s personal commentary adds a layer of nostalgia and personal reflection, making this book as much a memoir as it is a historical document. This rich blend of visual and textual content makes the book an essential read for anyone interested in fashion history, photography, or the interplay between the two.