1930s Fashion: The Definitive Sourcebook Paperback – December 31, 2015

This is well titled, as the illustrations are indeed definititive. I particularly like the fact that the captions of the illustrations give the year, so the evolution of styles can be followed. The 1930s were demonstrative of a huge range of human activities, and whenever there is strife or uncertainty, the waistline returns to its normal place. Gone are the straight silhouettes of the 1920s and the streamlined look of Art Deco in architecture and design is reflected in the cuts and interesting seaming of the garments. Everything is elegant, that's what I admire about these clothes, Accessories were carefully matched, in great contrast to now, when the stylists pooh pooh matching accessories. In that context, it was a whole lot easier to look chic in the 1930s. Artificial silk, as rayon was called, and synthetics like nylon were just beginniing to be used, but the majority of descriptions denote natural fibers and real furs. It's important to look at a book like this from an historical perspective, because environmental concerns do not come into context at all. The charge was to look elegant, and they did.

Pluses1 - A lot of great photos and sketches of mostly 1930s French fashion (You'll notice that they're very similar to 1930s American fashion)2 - Many illustrations are in color3 - Quality paper stock used4 - Good priceMinuses1 - Minimal Explanation Regarding Fashion Trends & Their Development2 - As already pointed out by other reviewers the fashions were not presented in chronological order!!!3 - Original French descriptions were not translated into English.4 - Some very obvious errors, e.g.: Pg 65 - Barbara Stanwyck dress is not c. 1931 but instead c. 1939 Pg. 353 - The "Unidentified actress" is Constance Bennett, one of the most chic and highly paid actresses in 1930s HollywoodEven with the negatives noted, this is a great resource for anyone interested in 1930s fashion!

I think that because fans of the 1930s are so grateful that a book like this even exists, the endless praise has been laid on rather thickly. Not to say that it isn't a treat to look at, I just think it could have been so much better. For one thing, chronological order would be wonderful. I know many have said this, but it would make a huge difference. The early and mid-1930s are my personal favourite parts of the decade and it would have been nice to browse those fashions without late-30s illustrations interrupting me at every turn. If it were done as a hard cover book, that would elevate it tremendously. I think the subject deserves a lovingly sumptuous, elegant presentation and that wasn't achieved in my opinion. Also, the editor should have been far more careful as there are a few dating inaccuracies throughout. I was shocked at what silly mistakes were made. No need for that at all! I'm glad I bought it, I really am, but it annoys me when they don't go that extra (completely achievable) mile to make it as good and as special as it could/should be. The 1930s deserves better, but for now, this is the best we've got.

The perfect compendium of fashion of the 1930s, including marvelous illustrations of the period. Ideal reference for fashion illustration enthusiasts and anyone interested in vintage clothing of the era. This book is part of a series of books devoted to fashions of the 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s. Each book is well worth the money. A British import.

This book is amazing! I haven't read any of the text but the images alone are enough to inspire me for days. Really great to have on hand if you love 30's fashion. I'm sure the text will be wonderful too. It's over 500 pages, so a lot to take in :)

What an amazing book! Excellent reference to the period.

The most comprehensive design book for 1930's clothing - it is my bible and the book I would take if I were marooned on a desert island.

One of my all time favorite books on fashion. Lots of color photos and information. This is a big book. Well worth the money.

Oh what a lovely book to look through. Lots of pictures and drawings of vintage 1930s fashion clothing worn by Hollywood stars as well.I already possess the 1940s version, which also is a delight. Both these books will give me a lot of inspiration for ideas when designing.

As others have said, this book is filled with the most amazing pictures of ladies fashion from the 1930s. The range of pictures from everyday wear to the most glamorous of movie stars is fantastic, and also includes loads of accessories, outerwear and swimwear. For anyone wishing to recreate a 1930s look, this book is essential. It is a shame that men's and children's fashions are not present, but it is definitely worth getting this book just for the sheer breadth of women's fashions that it covers.

Have been mad about the fabulous 30's fashions for years and this beautifully put together book certainly shows them at their best. The colours and the cut of the clothes are showcased in the hundreds of pictures.If you want elegant fashion then look no further than the 30's, gaze in awe at the cut of the clothes and then look at most of today's mediocre fashion.I too hope there will be a 1940's Fashion book to follow.

This book is packed full of wonderful images of 1930's fashion- you could look at the pictures for hours. I certainly hope the authors are going to do a 1940's and 50's version as well.

A lovely book, full of photos and a good introduction. I would have liked it even better if the photos had been in order from 1930 up to 1939. It would have made it more comprehensive, at least for me.