{"title":"Kate Strasdin","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKate Strasdin\u003c\/strong\u003e delves into the intimate worlds of historical figures and cultural icons, exploring their lives through the lens of fashion and personal narrative. Her works offer a compelling blend of \u003cem\u003ebiography\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003ememoir\u003c\/em\u003e, revealing the stories behind the garments and the people who wore them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eReaders can expect richly detailed accounts that celebrate artistry and heritage, inviting reflection on how clothing shapes identity and history. Her books capture the interplay between culture and costume with both elegance and insight.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-dress-diary-of-mrs-anne-sykes-by-kate-strasdin-9781529920819","title":"The Dress Diary of Mrs Anne Sykes","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe hidden fabric of a Victorian woman's life - from family and friends to industry and Empire - told through her unique textile scrapbook.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1838, Anne Sykes was given a diary on her wedding day. Using it to collect snippets of fabric, she created a record of her life and times. Nearly two hundred years later, the diary fell into the hands of fashion historian Kate Strasdin, who spent the next six years unravelling the secrets contained within its pages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePiece by piece, she charts Anne's life and times. Fragments of cloth become windows into Victorian life—pirates in Borneo, the complicated etiquette of mourning, poisonous dyes, the British Empire in full swing, rioting over working conditions, and the terrible human cost of Britain's cotton industry. Through the evidence of waistcoats, ball gowns, and mourning outfits, Strasdin lays bare the whole of human experience in the most intimate of mediums—the clothes we choose to wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Dress Diary of Mrs Anne Sykes\u003c\/em\u003e is described as 'Flawless' by Amber Butchart, 'Fascinating' by Clare Hunter, and 'Irresistible' by \u003cem\u003eThe Times\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46553189023980,"sku":"9781529920819","price":34.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/19629913482732.jpg?v=1750064518"},{"product_id":"dressing-the-queen-by-kate-strasdin-9781784745332","title":"Dressing the Queen","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRoyal laundresses, corset-makers and professional feather curlers—the hidden story of the people who designed, sewed, stitched and steamed the clothes of Britain's queens, from Victoria to the present day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'A truly wonderful and fascinating book!'\u003c\/em\u003e Lady Anne Glenconner\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe hidden story of the people who designed, sewed, stitched and steamed the clothes of Britain's queens, from Victoria to the present day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom tours and walkabouts to the dazzling spectacle of a wedding or Coronation, the clothes worn by royal women have always been a fascination. Starting with Queen Victoria and moving to the modern Elizabethan age, \u003cem\u003eDressing the Queen\u003c\/em\u003e shows the incredible craftmanship and painstaking effort that go into the making of what is known as the 'Royal Wardrobe', from handmade boots to Crown Jewels; country tweeds to delicate stockings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDress historian Kate Strasdin reveals a tribe of previously unsung women and men. Some may be more renowned—such as designer Norman Hartnell or suitcase-maker Louis Vuitton—but most are ordinary, highly talented working people from across the British Isles. From rural straw plaiters to wartime coat-makers and refugee glovers, their skilled labour is a vital part of our country's history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs we see modern princesses sally forth in fantastically arranged ensembles, we can think again of the vanishing trades that once employed millions—and still remain integral to royal life today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'A fascinating glimpse into the lives of the makers behind all the glitter of royalty'\u003c\/em\u003e Daisy Goodwin\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'A must for fans of royal and fashion history'\u003c\/em\u003e Tracy Borman\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47648321208556,"sku":"9781784745332","price":75.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781784745332-dressing-the-queen.jpg?v=1779255566"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.live\/collections\/kate-strasdin.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}