Ingenue To Icon: 70 Years Of Fashion From The Collection Of Marjorie Merriweather Post – First Edition – New Copy In Shrinkwrap

Ingenue To Icon: 70 Years Of Fashion From The Collection Of Marjorie Merriweather Post – First Edition – New Copy In Shrinkwrap

Author: Howard Vincent Kurtz
Price: £22
Publisher: D Giles Ltd
Publication Date: 2015
Format: Original cloth-backed boards
Condition: New
Pages: 168
Edition: First edition

Location: OSR: 002636

First edition. Illustrated throughout. A new copy in original shrinkwrap.

Ingenue To Icon: 70 Years Of Fashion From The Collection Of Marjorie Merriweather Post: A Short Review

Ingenue to Icon: 70 Years of Fashion from the Collection of Marjorie Merriweather Post is a richly illustrated book that chronicles the extraordinary wardrobe of Marjorie Merriweather Post, one of America’s wealthiest and most stylish women of the 20th century. Through a combination of exquisite photography, historical commentary, and insights into Post’s life, the book captures the evolution of fashion from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century. Here’s a detailed summary:

Overview

The book explores Marjorie Merriweather Post’s personal collection of couture and ready-to-wear garments, spanning nearly seven decades. It not only provides an intimate look at her sophisticated taste but also serves as a lens through which to examine the broader changes in fashion history. Each chapter is richly interwoven with biographical details, showcasing how Post’s wardrobe reflected her status, personality, and the trends of her time.

Key Themes and Topics

1. Marjorie Merriweather Post: A Fashion Icon

• The book begins with an introduction to Post’s life, highlighting her inheritance of the Postum Cereal Company (which became General Foods) and her rise as one of the most influential socialites of her era.
• Her lifelong passion for fashion is emphasised, showcasing her ability to balance elegance and practicality while always remaining on the cutting edge of style.

2. Fashion Through the Decades

• Turn of the 20th Century (1890s–1910s):
  Post’s early years saw her wearing delicate, feminine garments that adhered to the Edwardian style, with corseted silhouettes, high necklines, and ornate embellishments.
• 1920s Flapper Era:
  As a young socialite, Post embraced the liberated styles of the Jazz Age, characterised by shorter hemlines, dropped waists, and beaded evening gowns. The book highlights her fondness for designers like Jeanne Lanvin and Lucile.
• 1930s Glamour:
  During this period, Post’s wardrobe reflected the elegance of Old Hollywood, with bias-cut gowns, tailored suits, and luxurious fabrics such as silk and velvet. Her fashion mirrored the refined aesthetic of designers like Elsa Schiaparelli and Mainbocher.
• 1940s Utility and Wartime Style:
  The book discusses how Post adapted her wardrobe to wartime constraints while maintaining her signature elegance. Practical suits and understated dresses defined this era, showcasing her ability to adapt to changing times.
• 1950s Haute Couture Renaissance:
  Post’s collection from this period is a highlight of the book, featuring designs by Dior, Balenciaga, and Givenchy. Full skirts, nipped waists, and lavish evening wear underscored her enduring love for glamour.
• 1960s and Beyond:
  Even in her later years, Post remained a style icon, embracing the chic simplicity of designers like Coco Chanel and Norman Norell.

3. The Role of Fashion in Post’s Life

• The book emphasises how Post used fashion to reflect her social and philanthropic roles, dressing meticulously for events, diplomatic engagements, and life at her opulent homes, including Mar-a-Lago and Hillwood Estate.
• Post’s clothing also illustrates her appreciation for fine craftsmanship and innovative design, as seen in her patronage of renowned couturiers and her custom-made pieces.

4. Fashion as an Historical Archive

• The book examines Post’s wardrobe as a historical record, showcasing the changing silhouettes, fabrics, and styles of each era.
• Through detailed photographs and descriptions, it captures the evolution of women’s roles and societal expectations, mirrored in the transformation of fashion.

5. Post’s Legacy and Preservation of Fashion

• The book concludes by discussing Post’s foresight in preserving her garments, many of which are now part of the Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens collection in Washington, D.C.
• Her curated wardrobe serves as a testament to the artistry and cultural significance of fashion, offering insights into the lifestyle of one of America’s most glamorous figures.

Visual and Scholarly Appeal

• The book features stunning photographs of Post’s garments, accompanied by close-ups of intricate details like embroidery, beadwork, and construction techniques.
• Essays by fashion historians and curators provide context, discussing the social, cultural, and artistic influences on her wardrobe.

Conclusion

Ingenue to Icon is more than a fashion book—it is a celebration of Marjorie Merriweather Post’s life, style, and enduring influence. By showcasing her exquisite collection, the book offers a unique perspective on the history of women’s fashion and the role of clothing as a medium for self-expression, identity, and cultural preservation.

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