The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
mxinky's review
4.0
I haven't finished this book, but I had to return it to the library before the trip I took last week, and Regan is waiting for a review, so here we are.
I had never read a biography of Marie Antoinette, so I was learning more about her as I read. (Thus, I was entertained not just by the sartorial aspect, but also by MA's history.) The author's premise is that Marie Antoinette used fashion to gain more power at Versailles, but the power of her image was not under her control. I felt that the author did a good job of portraying MA in a compassionate way, while not absolving MA of the mistakes she made and the unconcern she exhibited toward her subjects.
I confess that I read more slowly as MA's situation became more grave. It just wasn't as fun, and honestly I may never finish it.
I had never read a biography of Marie Antoinette, so I was learning more about her as I read. (Thus, I was entertained not just by the sartorial aspect, but also by MA's history.) The author's premise is that Marie Antoinette used fashion to gain more power at Versailles, but the power of her image was not under her control. I felt that the author did a good job of portraying MA in a compassionate way, while not absolving MA of the mistakes she made and the unconcern she exhibited toward her subjects.
I confess that I read more slowly as MA's situation became more grave. It just wasn't as fun, and honestly I may never finish it.
smjcadams's review
5.0
I loved this book. Amazing details about the life of the queen...and her clothes. My kind of biography!
emilyanddeb's review
3.0
Had to read this for my 'History of Western Dress' class and it was actually pretty good. It was super informative and I learned a lot about Marie Antoinette. It was kind of slow paced and difficult to continue to reading at some points, but overall, a great book for anyone interested in fashion.
happilyruined's review
4.0
In all honesty, I'm very critical of biographies, perhaps more so than I should be. The fact is that I'm sick of reading everything in the same style, with the same approach. Unfortunately, there are reasons why the study of history is given a bad rap, and dull biographies is one of them. Luckily, "Queen of Fashion" is not at all dull, and not at all boring. It's a biography with a unique spin--almost more of a thesis, approaching Marie Antoinette's life through the lens of fashion--and the concept works.
Weber's research is spot-on--a mixture of primary sources with modern speculation. She does not spend a laborious amount of time threading the clothing base into Marie Antoinette's life. Of course, as with any focus such as this, the connection can sometimes come off as worn, or perhaps a stretch. When one is looking at a single facet of Marie's life so closely, it's impossible not to imagine or leap into theories. However, Weber avoids this habit as often as possible. It never reached the point of annoyance.
Caroline Weber treats her subject as both a remarkable person and a flawed human being. She dispels the "let them eat cake" rumors, of course, but unlike many biographers refrains from masking Marie as a saint. Weber is fully aware of the French queen's very real problems, even if "let them eat cake" is not one of them.
One complaint I would have is that while the fashion idea certainly didn't pigeon-hole Weber in at all times, there were moments wherein I would have liked to read more about Marie Antoinette's family and personal relationships.
Overall--not as good as Antonia Fraser's "Marie Antoinette: The Journey" but still admirable and quite well done.
Weber's research is spot-on--a mixture of primary sources with modern speculation. She does not spend a laborious amount of time threading the clothing base into Marie Antoinette's life. Of course, as with any focus such as this, the connection can sometimes come off as worn, or perhaps a stretch. When one is looking at a single facet of Marie's life so closely, it's impossible not to imagine or leap into theories. However, Weber avoids this habit as often as possible. It never reached the point of annoyance.
Caroline Weber treats her subject as both a remarkable person and a flawed human being. She dispels the "let them eat cake" rumors, of course, but unlike many biographers refrains from masking Marie as a saint. Weber is fully aware of the French queen's very real problems, even if "let them eat cake" is not one of them.
One complaint I would have is that while the fashion idea certainly didn't pigeon-hole Weber in at all times, there were moments wherein I would have liked to read more about Marie Antoinette's family and personal relationships.
Overall--not as good as Antonia Fraser's "Marie Antoinette: The Journey" but still admirable and quite well done.
persey's review
4.0
Marie Antoinette as a political figure, seen through the prism of the clothes she wore. Penetrating and delicious, if at times a little forced. Great read, although the newbie to Marie Antoinette should probably start with a more straightforward biography.
beatrizgui's review
4.0
it actually took some time cause it's a really dense book but it was worth it, her story is great and she had been through a lot and had a lot on her shoulders and even though the situation for the country - mostly the third state - was very bad she didn't really understood what was going on (which doesn't make her an innocent), ultimately I really enjoyed learning more about her and having another look on the french revolution :)