Woman as Decoration ebook

Woman as Decoration by Emily Burbank is a pioneering work first published in 1917 that explores the intersection of fashion, interior design, and the evolving role of women in early twentieth-century society. The book presents a unique perspective on how women can enhance their personal appearance and their surroundings, not merely as passive objects of beauty, but as active participants in the art of living. Burbank delves into the principles of color, line, and form, offering practical advice on how women can harmonize their clothing with their homes, and how both can reflect individual taste and personality. She discusses the importance of understanding one’s own physical characteristics and the architectural features of one’s environment to achieve a balanced and aesthetically pleasing effect. The book is richly illustrated with photographs and drawings, providing visual examples of the concepts discussed. Woman as Decoration is both a historical document and a guide, reflecting the changing attitudes toward women’s self-expression and autonomy during a transformative era. It encourages women to see themselves as artists, capable of shaping their own image and the spaces they inhabit, and remains a fascinating read for those interested in fashion history, interior design, and women’s studies.