Napoleon and the Empire of Fashion, 1795-1815

The Napoleonic period narrated through original clothes and accessories: not just fashion but cross-sections of every day life, a window onto the social transformations generated by industrial and commercial development, a consequence of the new political order in Europe and the colonies, transformations that have left a deep mark on the world that is still visible today.

In Cristina Barreto and Martin Lancaster's book, the birth of modern fashion is presented from the unusual point of view of what was happening backstage; the world which produced the various clothes that marked the different moments of the day, the passing of the seasons and the lives of the people who were born, married, had children and died.

Cristina Barreto is Brazilian and Martin Lancaster is English; they both live in Milan, Italy and share a passionate interest in the Napoleonic period. Their knowledge and expertise is known internationally and they have advised and assisted museums and collectors, film and television productions as well as authors.