The Dress Diary

In 1838, Mrs. Anne Sykes created a unique diary by collecting and annotating fabric snippets from her garments, offering a intimate glimpse into her life and times. Nearly two centuries later, fashion historian Kate Strasdin uncovers the stories woven into these fragments, revealing insights into Victorian life, British Empire history, and the human experience behind everyday clothing. Through this extraordinary discovery, the book celebrates the often-overlooked lives of ordinary people and their personal stories expressed through their attire.