Synopses & Reviews
Wedded Perfection: Two Centuries of Wedding Gowns explores the compelling allure of the white, single-use wedding dress for modern women and its iconic stature in Western cultures. Full-length colour plates and exquisite details of nearly 60 wedding gowns and dresses from the late 18th century to the present day, drawn from Cincinnati Art Museums internationally renowned permanent collection, are supplemented with loans from major designers. These include work by Jeanne Lanvin, Christian Dior, Paco Rabanne, Vera Wang, Bob Mackie, Yohji Yamamoto and Zac Posen.
Cynthia Amnéus examines the role of women within society, the institution of marriage and the evolving aesthetics of wedding gowns. Two further essays discuss the establishment of the bridal industry after World War II and the democratization of the white wedding gown for working class brides.
An interpretive entry is provided for each gown detailing construction techniques and fashionable characteristics, original bridal photos, comparative illustrations, and information about the designers.
Review
Wedded Perfection is a delight” Alexendra Eastman,
PieceworkMuch more than a catalogue.” The academic approach unravels the layers of human, social and economic history so often locked into historical objects” Althea Mackenzie, Costume
Beautiful images and enlightening essays” Heather Vaughan, Worn Through
A scholarly record”, Eve M.Kahn, New York Times
A showcase of beautiful dresses, and
a study of the status of women in the past 200 years” Kathy Schwartz, Cincinnati Enquirer
A thoroughly enjoyable book, I would highly recommend it to all students of creative subjects. It raises timeless issues of gender equality, society and the ever changing roles of women, and does so in a way that still enables all girls to picture themselves lavishly clad in an elaborate vintage frock. Perfection!” Rosaleen Gallagher, LSMedia.com
Synopsis
'Wedded Perfection: Two Centuries of Wedding Gowns' is an original exploration of the sociological, psychological and economic significance of the wedding dress and the wedding ceremony since the early 1800s.
Synopsis
Explores the compelling allure of the white, single-use wedding dress for modern women and its iconic stature in Western cultures.