This curiously collectable book was groundbreaking in its day: A new kind of book on costume, ‘for Mr Laver has not been content to describe the toilettes and note the principal changes in male and female attire since the French Revolution. Instead, he has tried to relate these changes in taste, to show their connection with other arts, especially architecture, interior decoration and to say something of their social significance.’ In the book he draws on memoirs of the period, paintings, cariacatures and trade advertisements. He compares a crinoline to the structure of the Crystal Palace, when showing the difference between two bustles. There’s plenty of fascinating material for everyone form fashion lovers to industry professionals.

Susan x