Monday, April 20, 2009

The Golden Age of Couture: Paris and London 1947 - 1957

The Golden Age of Couture: Paris and London 1947 - 1957

The Golden Age of Couture: Paris and London 1947 - 1957

In 1947, Christian Dior’s “New Look” was greeted with both shock and delight, making headlines around the world. Accompanying the exhibition opening at the Victoria and Albert Museum in September 2007, this lavish book focuses on Parisian and British couture between 1947 and 1957, the decade Dior hailed as fashion’s “golden age.”

The “New Look” symbolized a new femininity. The full skirts and hourglass silhouettes were considered highly decadent, synonymous with luxury and prosperity, in marked contrast to the austerity of the WWII years. Nevertheless, the “New Look” caught the public imagination and ushered in a period of remarkable creativity. The Golden Age of Couture features stunning gowns and exquisite tailoring from Dior as well as from such designers as Balenciaga, Balmain, and Givenchy, along with evocative photographs by the likes of Richard Avedon and Cecil Beaton.

This beautifully designed book reveals the skill and craftsmanship of haute couture along with the inner workings of the exclusive design houses, and the inspiration behind some of the most famous styles of all time.

EXHIBITION SCHEDULE:

Victoria and Albert Museum, London, September 27–January 6, 2008

Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #284862 in Books
  • Published on: 2007-09-01
  • Original language: English
  • Number of items: 1
  • Binding: Hardcover
  • 224 pages



  • Editorial Reviews

    Review
    'Captures a time when dressing was an elegant art' Elle

    About the Author
    Claire Wilcox is Senior Curator in the V&A’s Textiles & Fashion department. She curated the highly successful exhibitions Vivienne Westwood, The Art and Craft of Gianni Versace, and Radical Fashion, and edited the accompanying books.


    Customer Reviews

    the most beautiful book i've ever owned!5
    also saw this book in a gallery but couldn't afford it...found it on amzon for a bargainous price and snapped it up right away! totally worth the hassle it'll be to take it home...!

    Loved it!5
    This is a fantastic book for anyone interested in couture. The pictures and anecdotes are fantastic. My sister saw the exhibition at the V and A and said it was brilliant and I think the book captures it. Inspirational.

    The Gloden Age of Couture: Paris and London 1947-19575
    I purchased two of these books, one for my daughter who will be entering Fashion Design school in the fall and one as a gift for her beloved teacher who retired this year.

    The book is a beautiful coffee table book for anyone interesed in fashion particularly Paris and London during the years 1947-1957. The classic designs of this era and their designers are featured along with gorgeous photos. There is even a photo of a Dior gown as it was originally on a model. This same gown in later years was shortened and altered to suit the time and is on display in the Dior exhibit. Seeing it as it was intended by Dior is priceless!

    A must for all interested in classic fashion!

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