If it's a full size beautifully illustrated book and the content will be helpful in my research, then I will probably buy it- though I will look for the best price...
Some people collect pottery, and no one blinks an eye at how much they might pay for a teacup. I like costume books. :-)
So my most recent purchase came about via a post on Facebook by Rachel Knowles. Her blog, Regency History can be found here, and will be a useful starting resource for anyone wanting to find out more about this time period...
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| Go to Amazon and use the look inside option - image from Amazon.co.uk |
I suppose you could consider Ackermann's the Regency version of today's Vogue, or Harper's Bazaar.
The book was inspired by romance author Candice Hern who has a large collection of Georgian and Regency antiques and a great selection of images and information on the objects on a section of her website, here.
I have a few favourites in the book. There's a lovely ball dress of April 1812- " A round Circassian robe of pink crape, or gossamer net, over a white satin slip, fringed full at the feet." The "peasant" bodice was clearly designed to show off the fuller bossomed woman...
And there's a fantastic "Spanish lappelled coat of fine orange Merino cloth", part of a Promenade Dress from January 1814 that I adore.
Mantles and capes, I would happily wear them today if they were made in my size.
So that's enough, or I'll be talking for days.
Do you have a favourite costume style - from any time period?
That's clever - to collect something that's useful to your writing so it's tax deductible.
ReplyDeleteIt's not really a style but I'd like to go back to when people dressed up a bit to go out somewhere special. Full evening dress for every social occasion might be a bit much but there could be a compromise between that and wearing the same outfit for work, supermarket shopping and dinner out or a party. I feel a story coming on ...
I was reading about that book too, Carol. I already have lots of pictures from the original Ackerman's, as well as other books on costume, but I love collections like this!
ReplyDeleteI adore those books too! So beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI'm quite a fan of the Regency period, and the fashions of those days, but I'm pretty much a sucker for any period dress really. Until it all started to go wrong in the 60s...Couldn't agree more Patsy's comment on how there must be a compromise somewhere...
I hadn't thought of that aspect, Patsy. :-)
ReplyDeleteI have to admit I dress up to go to the writers' club, but then my social life is a bit limited with my family.
I'm very envious, Rosemary. This book is probably the nearest I will get to them.
Maxi, me too.
There are a few pieces I would love- a Calash hood would be great, especially when you've been to the hairdressers and it's wet or windy outside.
The nearest I get is my big wraps in winter, and the lighter ones in the summer. :-)
My wardrobe consists of comfortable clothes, but a long cotton frock is one of my favourites. Perhaps I should dress it up with a stole and some bling?
ReplyDeleteAccessories make al the difference, Lizy.
ReplyDeleteI'm a comfortable clothes for everyday use person too. :-)
I like Regency clothes, as they're fairly wearable, but I think the simplicity of 12th/13th century clothes would suit me. No frills or furbelows; long sleeves (a must!)and natural fibres, though possibly a little scratchy in the original. Pretty much anything before the introduction of stomachers, or any other form of stiffening. I'm a comfort girl, not a fashion one!
ReplyDelete