Wedded Perfection: Two Centuries of Wedding Gowns

Wedded Perfection: Two Centuries of Wedding Gowns explores the compelling allure of the white, single-use wedding dress for modern women and its iconic stature in Western cultures. Full-length colour plates and exquisite details of nearly 60 wedding gowns and dresses from the late 18th century to the present day, drawn from Cincinnati Art Museum’s internationally renowned permanent collection, are supplemented with loans from major designers. These include work by Jeanne Lanvin, Christian Dior, Paco Rabanne, Vera Wang, Bob Mackie, Yohji Yamamoto and Zac Posen.

Cynthia Amnéus examines the role of women within society, the institution of marriage and the evolving aesthetics of wedding gowns. Two further essays discuss the establishment of the bridal industry after World War II and the democratization of the white wedding gown for working class brides.

An interpretive entry is provided for each gown detailing construction techniques and fashionable characteristics, original bridal photos, comparative illustrations, and information about the designers.