Over 575 illustrations detail 59 different garments that first appeared in the 1880s in issues of the quarterly The Voice of Fashion. Most of the patterns are for women, but there is a selection for men, boys, and girls. The dressmaker's patterns for the more than 50 different garments included in this volume first appeared in the 1890s in issues of the quarterly The Voice of Fashion. Most of the patterns are for stylish daywear for women, but there are house dresses and nightwear as well, along with a selection of suits and dresses for young boys and girls and several garments for men. Reproduced from rare original issues of The Voice of Fashion, these patterns show that although most ladies' fashions of the 1890s were designed to conceal the body behind high necks, long sleeves, and full, floor-length skirts, a lively interest in revealing the female figure persisted. Elegant hand craftsmanship and the luxuriant draping of rich fabric further enhanced this statuesque idealisation of femininity. An informational general introduction to dressmaker's patterns and concise instructions for using them precede this lively parade of fin-de-siecle fashions. Readers will also find over 575 patterns and illustrations detailing the various garments, with individual instructions for making them.

Costume enthusiasts interested in re-creating exact copies of vintage clothing will find this book an indispensable guide; indeed, anyone interested in the history of fashion and costume will welcome this fascinating reference to late Victorian dressmaking.