Over 400 striking fashion designs from rare issues of Godey's Lady's Book (1837-1869) -- the most influential women's magazine of the period. Introduction and captions. 435 designs, 42 in full color.-- Publisher description.

"A unique fashion image developed in mid 19th-century America reflecting the influences of Queen Victoria, the court of Napoleon III and American adaptations of European designs. Many of the stylish silhouettes that emerged from this spirited era are still admired today. Fashions and Costumes from Godey's Lady's Book presents a fashion parade of authentic ladies' and children's styles from the most influential women's magazine of the period -- Godey's Lady's Book -- which presented both original fashions and adaptations from European publications. Over 400 striking designs, including 42 figures in full color, were chosen for this volume from a selection of rare issues (1837-1869) of Godey's by Stella Blum, director of Kent State University Museum and former curator of the Costume Institute at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art. Among the many beautiful illustrations reproduced here are morning dresses, walking suits, riding outfits, ball gowns, capes, children's costumes, plus hairstyles and a full array of accessories -- shoes, bonnets, gloves, muffs, fans, walking sticks and more. Captions detail the rich fabrics, color schemes and decorative trims of this gallery and vintage attire. The illustrations offer a panoramic view of evolving styles from Victorian 1840's outfits with severe high necklines, elongated bodices and bonnets designed to keep the wearer's eyes chastely ahead; to 1850's adaptations of French haute couture featuring ornate gowns widened with hoopskirts and elaborately trimmed with lace, ribbons, fringes and feathers; to 1860's garb in which skirts narrowed and graceful trains replaced the hoopskirt. Costume and culture historians, clothing designers and illustrators will find Fashions and Costumes from Godey's Lady's Book a valuable reference to clothing designs of the period and a fascinating look back at mid-Victorian couture." -- Provided by publisher

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