Gilded Age Fashion : 50 Iconic Looks and the Stories Behind Them

Transport yourself to the glamour of elite American society in the 1870s–90s.  

Showcasing stunning gowns from the late 19th century designed by founders of couture, Gilded Age Fashion draws from the finest museum collections to tell the story of an era defined by opulence, when families like the Vanderbilts, Astors, and Rockefellers dressed exquisitely for the grandest events on both sides of the Atlantic.  

Author Elizabeth Block details the social customs that guided the sartorial choices of the fabulously wealthy. Each sumptuous gown featured tells a story about its creator and the woman who wore it, and the opulent balls, opera nights, charity benefits, and society weddings she might have attended. Gilded Age Fashion opens a dazzling window into America's most extravagant age. 

• Fifty exquisite gowns: The finest couture of the era drawn from renowned museum collections, led by the legendary House of Worth 

• Rich social history: Author Elizabeth Block brings the etiquette, customs, and personal narratives of Gilded Age society vividly to life 

• Beautifully organized: Three illustrated sections organized by the times of day when the clothing was worn

• Perfect for history and fashion lovers: Essential reading for fans of the HBO series The Gilded Age, costume history and period drama enthusiasts, and anyone captivated by this glittering era 
   

Elizabeth L. Block, an art historian, is a Senior Editor in the Publications and Editorial Department at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Dr. Block earned her PhD in art history at The Graduate Center, City University of New York. She also holds an MA in American Studies from Columbia University, and a BA in English and Art History from The George Washington University. She is also the author of Beyond Vanity: The History and Power of Hairdressing, and Dressing Up: The Women Who Influenced French Fashion. Her articles appear in American Art, Town & Country, and Slate.