Elegant French Fashions of the Late Nineteenth Century: 103 Costumes from La Mode Illustree, 1886

This is a very interesting book. It is almost very colored plate published in La Mode Illustree over the course of one year- 1886. The plates cover every season and almost every activity. There are dinner dresses, seaside dresses, afternoon dresses and riding costumes. The season changes can be seen in style and color of fabrics and trims. It's a fascinating look at a year in a fashion magazine, but it is important to know it covers only one year. This is not an overview book, but rather a close up of a brief time in fashion. In some ways, that makes it more interesting because it provides an in-depth examination of that year.

I found this beautiful picture book of French Fashions from the 19th century an absolute delight. The pictures are excellently drawn, in FULL COLOR, and filling an entire page. Most of the pages show two ladies in lovely costumes from the period. The brief text either explains the occasion for which the dress would be worn, or the materials and fabric of the gown. There is always a bit of background color behind the ladies so they are not on a stark white page, yet the background does not, in any way detract from the ladies and their apparel. There are more detailed explanations of each of the gowns featured , listed and numbered, at the front of the book. There are also a couple of pages featuring various bonnets and hats for spring and winter wear.