Children's fashions, 1860-1912 : 1,065 costume designs from "La Mode illustrée"

One of the most popular French fashion periodicals during the second half of the 19th century, La Mode Illustree was a "family magazine" that devoted considerable space to children. The publication depicted youngsters in idyllic settings, clothed in styles that ranged from miniaturized adult fashions to loose-fitting and comfortable garments designed to permit physical activity. JoAnne Olian, curator of the costume collection at the Museum of the City of New York, has selected 362 finely detailed illustrations (over 1,000 costume designs) from rare isues of this famed weekly journal. Depicted are hundreds of youngsters in fashionable outfits, among them the tunic-styled chemise russe; unfitted pleated dresses; low-waisted smocks worn by children of both sexes; and sailor suits, an unrivaled fashion phenomenon that dominated children's wear for decades. Here also are dresses reminiscent of John Tenniel's drawings of Lewis Caroll's Alice; a boy's chauffeur garb, playfully modeled after apparel worn by adults in the early 20th century; little velvet suits and frilly white blouses for boys-popularized in Little Lord Fauntleroy-and much more. In addition, the illustrations often include a charming variety of authentic period playthings; boats, bicycles, roller skates, hoops and croquet sets. A primary source on children's fashion of the period and an inexpensive collection of illustrations that can be used by artists and craftspeople without fee or permission, this beautifully rendered and captioned resource will be welcomed by artists, historians, students and anyone interested in fashion.