Mary Carolyn Waldrep 
A Decade of French Fashion, 1929-1938 
From the Depression to the Brink of War

‘A well-illustrated survey of style. Chock full of detailed, quality illustrations accompanied by brief descriptions. A worthy offering. Nostalgic types who enjoy perusing vintage catalogs and clip art books will find much to savor here. This practical resource is sure to provide inspiration for artists and fashion designers. Five stars.’ — biblio-filer

In addition to a world-wide depression and the rise of Fascism throughout Europe, the years between 1929 and 1938 witnessed dramatic changes in women’s fashion. With the turning of the decade, the free and easy fashions of the Roaring Twenties shifted to a softer, more conservative look, with an emphasis on curves rather than angles. Hemlines plummeted almost overnight and did not begin to rise until mid-decade.

These selections from full-color French catalogs produced for the international market from 1929 through 1938 document the changes in fashion from the time of the stock market crash to the dawn of World War II. More than 100 images of day and evening wear illustrate the movement from flapper fashions to a more austere look. Fashion designers, costume historians, costumers, and anyone who loves fashion will treasure this richly illustrated survey.

‘A must for anyone interested in fashion and costume, this book offers exactly what the title suggests — a decade of French fashion, portrayed in beautiful illustrations from contemporary catalogues. A joy to read and savor.’ — newbooks magazine

‘This is a book to read and time and time again, each new viewing helping further details —from button placements to hemline shapes — to present themselves to you, the reader, as you soak up and savor the supreme elegance that was 1930s fashion for those with the means to buy from the best that France had to offer.’ — Chronically Vintage