The thousands of illustrations in this book provide a unique overview of Western fashion from 1800 to 1945. This eventful time covers the romantic Art Nouveau period and the Edwardian Era known as La Belle Epoque, as well as the First World War during which fashion became involuntarily frugal. These beautiful contemporary drawings depict dresses, coats, suits, blouses, underwear, scarves, wraps, and much more. They have been carefully selected, categorised, and reproduced in high quality. Designers, students and art historians will be able to use them for reference, while everybody can revel in nostalgia for the beauty and richness of this exciting period.