A rare, close-up look at the exquisite, labor-intensive details seen in fine eighteenth century clothing.This beautifully illustrated book reveals sharp pleats, high collars, gleaming pastes, colorful beads, elaborate buttons, and intricate lacework that make up some of the garments in the Victoria and Albert Museum’s extensive fashion collection. With an authoritative text, exquisite color photography of garment details, and line drawings and photographs showing the complete construction of each piece, the reader has the unique opportunity to examine up close historical clothing that is often too fragile to be on display. It is an inspirational resource for students, collectors, designers, and anyone who is fascinated by fashion and costume.This paperback edition features a contemporary design, fresh content and detailed research, a comprehensive index, and an introduction that focuses on the makers and processes involved in producing 18th-century fashion.