Product Description
The ultimate dream book about the ultimate dream doll. Trace the history of Barbie from her beginning in 1959 through her meteoric rise in popularity during the "60s" to her place on the world stage as a jet-setting multicultural fashion icon. Beautifully illustrated, this book follows Barbie through five decades of changing styles. Special sections take a close look at Barbie's friends, as well as her many accessories and how they changed to reflect the times. Specially-commissioned set designs are stunningly photographed and offer a wide variety of detailed scenes of Barbie's fun-loving world. From the Swinging Sixties through the disco years and into the next millennium, Barbie epitomizes style and glamour. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

A quality book for the Barbie lover.
It is a really neat book to see barbie over the years.Unfortunately ours came badly banged up by the postal service. The seller was very curtious & gave me a refund.The book content is really neat.

On our 3rd copy!
My daughter loves this book, and we are on our 3rd copy because she has worn it out taking it on trips, in the car, etc.Her favorite part is the international dolls section, where she enjoys looking at national costumes from around the world.The layout and photos are very well-done, and it brings me back to my childhood as well!

Wonderful!
This beautiful book is a must-have for any girl who loves Barbies. It is a children's book and is a visual delight...not a dry guide for adult collectors. The pictures are crisp and labeled, as the other DK books are; "corduroy hat" and "red patent leather pumps," etc. A huge hit with my 9-year old niece.

For Fun, not Collections
My kids like it.It's got excellent layout, clear crisp pics, but isn't comprehensive.Great to look through, and point to - look, I had that one when I was a kid..... (YOU were a KID?)I don't use it with my collection, but I am glad I bought it - it makes a pleasent just for fun.

Beautiful book! Nice pictures!
This book is really nice, the pictures are gorgeous, and it has some index on Barbie dolls by year, also Barbie's friends. Not so much on collectible dolls, but there are some dolls with gorgeous pics, some are different from the publish pics and a few are the same. Nice information for dolls and furniture. Great book! The cover is stunning!!!! ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (12)

Brand new book, lots of colorful drawings!
I knew about this book already! This is a very good book for fashion references. Lots of colorful drawings very helpful!

Woderful
Bought for my daughter who is a fashion design student. She loved it. The price was amazing. Over $200 every where else.

Costume Designer's dream!
Gorgeous color plates and b/w prints. Detailed if difficult notes in 3 languages English, French and German (late 19th century author).Whether you are a professional or hobbyist costumer or seamstress - this book provides ample inspiration!

Impressive Collection
This is an incredible and impressive collection of fashion images that leaves little untold. The illustrations are masterful and descriptive of dress of the past. The most incredible thing is the volume goes beyond atire and includes samples of accessories, furniture and architecture related to the period and culture. My only disappointment is it stops at the late 1800's. I would highly recommend this book for anyone in fashion design, art or someone with a really large coffee table. It's a MONSTER!

A GREAT SOURCE FOR RESEARCHING COSTUMES
AS A WORKING PROFESSIONAL IN THE FILM, TELEVISION, COMMERCIAL AND MUSIC VIDEO INDUSTRIES, I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT THIS RESOURCE BOOK IN ESSENTIAL IN THE RESEARCHING OF PERIOD COSTUMES.I USE THIS BOOK AS REFERENCE ALL THE TIME.ANYONE IN THE BIZ SHOULD MAKE THE INVESTMENT OF THIS INVALUABLE
RESOURCE. ... Read more

Product Description

Based largely on nineteenth and twentieth-century representations of Chinese dress as traditional and unchanging, historians have long regarded fashion as something peculiarly Western. But in this surprising, sumptuously illustrated book, Antonia Finnane proves that vibrant fashions were a vital part of Chinese life in the late imperial era, when well-to-do men and women showed a keen awareness of what was up-to-date.

Though foreigners who traveled to China in the early decades of the twentieth century came away with the impression that Chinese dress was simple and monotone, the key features of modern fashion were beginning to emerge, especially in Shanghai. Men in blue gowns donned felt caps and leather shoes, girls began to wear fitted jackets and narrow pants, and homespun garments gave way to machine-woven cloth, often made in foreign lands. These innovations marked the start of a far-reaching vestimentary revolution that would transform the clothing culture in urban and much of rural China over the next half century.

Through Finnane's meticulous research, we are able to see how the close-fitting jacket and high collar of the 1911 Revolutionary period, the skirt and jacket-blouse of the May Fourth era, and the military style popular in the Cultural Revolution led to the variegated, globalized wardrobe of today. She brilliantly connects China's modernization and global visibility with changes in dress, offering a vivid portrait of the complex, subtle, and sometimes contradictory ways the people of China have worn their nation on their backs.

Product Description
Everything you ever wanted to know about men's clothing - and so much more - from the exact hour Nelson lost his right eye to the type of palm needed for a Panama hat, what Cary Grant's tailor had to do to his shoulders - and those all-important questions of what to where, when and why, including when to wear a bow tie (surely 'never' is the only answer?). A quirky book full of facts that you never realised you needed to know, including the exact thickness of animal hair used to create must-have fashion items, including suits. Provocative, and controversial at times - but always very well dressed.

Customer Reviews (2)

Disappointing
Most of what's written here seems to be a pick-up from other books. It is, in any case, yet another "how to" guide. As if a man can be well dressed by buying enough books that give him a lot of rules. For anybody really interested in a history of menswear, I recommend two books starting with Farid Chenoune and Fairchild, both have excellent photos:A History of Men's Fashion The Fairchild Encyclopedia of Menswear (Fairchild Reference Collection) (Fairchild Reference Collection) (Fairchild Reference Collection)

Great book, but not properly titled
First off, what fun!A handbook of all the well-dressed gentleman must know...how to wear it, how to buy it and the even where to buy it!

The title, though, is misleading:"History of Men's Fashion."It should be called, "The Guide to the Modern Gentleman's Essentials."I should have read the SUBTITLE--"What the Well-Dressed Man is Wearing."This is indeed a contradiction.Fashion guide for the modern man OR a history of fashion?

I took this to be a *history* of men's fashion.What the main label says is not is what is in the tin.I expected a history of modern menswear dating from, say, the 1500s to the modern day.Not so.This is a how-to book on modern men's traditional garb:the suit, the waistcoat, trousers, etc.This book discusses modern clothing with snippets of history contributing to modern menswear.

That said, it is a marvelous compendium of the minutiae of the essential items of the well-dressed man--no item escapes discussion, even down to the pocket handkerchief.

There are sprinklings of history along the way.But--tsk, tsk--to write a book on the history of men's fashion and fail to mention the Count D'Orsay, an influential fashion trend-setter of the first third of the 19th century, is tragic.(One might have expected a discussion of the Count's signature turn-back cuffs next to the picture of the cocktail cuff.)On the other hand, there is much discussion of the earlier George "Beau" Brummell, who is the patron saint of the modern three-piece suit.

A very nice, amusing and well-organized guide for the modern man and I give it 5 stars as a rating--with a caveat.This is NOT a history of men's clothing but mainly a style guide.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Loved this!
Want to know the difference between and spencer and a pelisse? What is a reticule? What kind of needlework did Jane Austen do? What is kersymere? If you enjoy this period of history then you should have this book on your shelf. I will keep it as a reference book. I loved reading it. If you area textile afficianado then this is for you, too. Short and a lively read.

A Charming introduction to fashion in Jane Austen's time
This is a lovely little book with numerous color pictures, mostly fashion plates, and decorative chapter headings.The title of the chapter is in red, there is an orange decoration, and then the first letter is enlarged and printed in blue, a very pretty effect. Further, the author, Penelope Byrde, is curator at the fabulous Bath Museum of Costume and an established expert in the field. If one is looking for a good introduction to the era's costumes, especially one that is visually pleasing as well as informative, this is a great choice. I would consider it as particularly suited as a gift to someone just learning about the era.

The discussions are tied into Jane Austen's life and works, with extensive quotations of her novels, letters, and family accounts. These are carefully annotated.The bibliiography deals with sources about Austen, rather than further costume references.

I suppose that this does offer a great deal for people who are truly knowledgeable about the subject, but for those of us who know a bit, but not a lot, it is still useful.It seems that I always learn a bit more than I knew.The pictures alone may make one want the book, even if one does have other sources, and one does have the assurance that Byrde is authoritative.

I am left with one question: is the very different silhouette shown in Niklaus von de Heideloff's plates (late 18th to very early 19th century) entirely due to changes in fashion (i.e., the narrowing of skirts, or did he just like to draw women with more abundant figures? ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (4)

UNSEEN VOGUE
Interesting look at glamor photographs during the early to late 20th century in England, which set many fashion trends. This book shows some of the poses and styles that are typical of Vogue covers and fashion shots of some of the most famous models andmovie stars of that period. This is what the best photographers with the best equipment can do with some of the most beautiful women in the world. It also shows that photography is an art not a science, not every shot or creative idea works,but this magazine has led the pack worldwide.

A visual history
I was looking for a book that would inspire me while also giving me a sense of fashion photography's history, and this is just the book. I've turned to it many times as a springboard for ideas or for the pure enjoyment of looking at the images. The copy in the front, though difficult to read because of the small font size, gives interesting gossipy tidbits about the shoots. Though not a complete history of fashion photographer by any means, its focus on Vogue keeps the book from being overwhelming.

Fashion Guru Must-Have
As a fan of the fashion industry, I was excited by this book. It is absolutely filled with major stars. It spans several decades and features models like Jean Shrimpton, Twiggy, Penelope Tree, Pat Cleveland, Veruschka, Uma Thurman, Christy Turlington, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Shalow Harlow, Claudia Schiffer, Karen Elson, Maggie Rizer, and Gisele Bundchen. All of the photos are breaktakingly beautiful and interesting from classy old Hollywood style photos, strange modern poses, and glamorous high fashion spreads.

For those of you who actually read these coffee table books, you will not be disappointed. This book is filled with useful information about the industry, Vogue, and how fashion has impacted culture.

A GREAT SURPRISE
The book is essentially the companion to one of the most fascinating shows that I ever stumbled upon. Last November in London, I went to the Design Museum[founded by Terrence Conran] to view an exhibit of aluminum[aluminium].

Coincidentally, there was this Vogue show. Having paid my admission to the museum, Iviewed this exhibit as well. Now, I don't pretend to know much about fashion nor photography. And this show blew me away. And so does this book, but not as well as the show, of course.

An assemblage of insights into the culture and history of the twentieth century that I would never have encountered on my own. Not only does the story reveal how conde nast's money financed some of the more significant technical innovations in photography[which intrigued me since I try to follow the history of science and technology], but I was also fascinated to discover how it was that Vogue may have had the most energetic and brave war correspondent/photographer of WW2: and it was a beautiful and talented woman - Lee Miller. Do take the time to find out all you can about her.

And lastly, the photos are knock-outs. I wouldn't have done this show or this book deliberately, but having stumbled into the show, I have to pronounce it one of the most educational exhibitions that I have encountered. ... Read more

Product Description
A blend of humor, satire, and fashion sense, this uniquely humorous look at trends in fashion throughout the ages will be the talk of the town. Forgotten Fashion is a fake history book of clothing trends that never really happened, but arebased on actual fashion movements from the early 1900s until the present. Each entry examines the life and death of a supposed fashion trend while poking fun at the social climate of the times. With smart humor, a tongue-in-cheek academic tone, and a keen sense of style, this book will appeal to fashionistas, sophisticates, and anyone who keeps up with what's en vogue. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Where does the facts end and the fashion starts...
I had a lot of fun with this book.I am not into fashion but I do love history.False fashion mixed in with real people, real events and real trends makes for a great read.It was sometimes hard to decide which person was real and which was made up.Highly enjoyable and something any fan of history, or fashion, should get.Get it used or new, just get it and enjoy it.

A Wonderful Gift For You or Someone Else Who's Funny
If you are familiar with Kate Hahn's McSweeny's work, it will not surprise you to hear that Forgotten Fashion is well-crafted, elegant, whip-smart, and laugh-out-loud funny.She is the literary off-spring of James Thurber and Edith Wharton.This book makes the perfect gift for that niece or nephew entering art school or just anyone at all who has a creative, imaginative, and whimsical appreciation for social mores and that fickle, ever-changing world of trends. Everything about this book is entirely wonderful--including the lively, varied illustrations.

Fun, Fashionable Satire
Fun and beautifully illustrated, Forgotten Fashion: An Illustrated Faux History of Outrageous Trends and Their Untimely Demise captures the tone and style of the time periods it describes (from 1903-2005), which helps reinforce the satire but also reflects the author's understanding and interest in popular culture in modern history.

This was an easy book to pick up and flip through. It was created as a series of independent articles and could be read from the beginning or you could skip around. For those searching for a fun book on popular culture that you can pick up and read at your leisure, Forgotten Fashion is a good choice.

All the trends fit to remember..
Forgotten Fashion celebrates the trends of yesteryear that, mysteriously, didn't make it into any of the textbooks for my fashion history class. Found in the fashion archives of Miss Beatrice P. Fruit, these amazing creations astound and amaze for their beauty, ingenuity, and the bold new directions they took fashion pioneers. How did we forget the Ticker Tape Trim popular at the turn of the century? These beautiful paper ribbons were woven into dainty damsels' dresses and nightgowns, and were printed with secret communications from desperate paramours. And who could fail to recall Fuschette, the 1980s teen band created to sell trendy junior clothing? These carefully calculated performers took famous songs such as "We've Got the Beat" and adapted them to promote their line with songs such as "We've Got the Pleats." Surely you remember Fuschette's mall tours, and the heart-shaped hangtags that hung on every item of Fuschette brand clothing?

Perhaps not. Hahn's tongue-in-cheek faux fashions mock the true trends of the 20th century while creating their own unique mythology. To assist Hahn in her reports are a phalanx of illustrators, one of whom Project Runway fans will recognize as Andrae Gonzalo of Red Lobster fame. The fashion figures, supposedly pulled from old magazines, press releases and trade publications, capture the art styles used in previous decades and are instrumental in adding authenticity to these outrageous designs.

I hate to even think about Christmas so early in the year, but take note, ya'll. This is the perfect gift for the fashion lover in your life. It's witty and funny and beautifully illustrated. Don't miss it! ... Read more

Product Description
Part of a history of fashion series which looks at the 20th century decade by decade. This volume looks at the style of the 1920s and the social and cultural background to the fashions of the period. The book is illustrated with a mixture of original and source documentation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Awesome.
I like the whole series of Fashion of decades-lots of pictures and informations not only about fashion, but society in general. Great addition to home library.

Oh, WHY did I ever clean out my closet?
From the vantage point of a historian, I value this book as a lavishly illustrated and researched book about the clothing of an era, and how that clothing reflected the intense cultural changes of the 1960s. The outstanding representation of the society of the decade with photographs, drawings, album covers, movie posters and art brought the text to life.

As a Baby Boomer, I saw this book as a nostalgic glance at my school days -- virtually a yearbook for graduates of the Mods, Rockers and Hippie school of fashion.

Fashions of a Decade: The 1960s is highly recommended for the history student, fashion student, or anyone looking for an authentic look into the heart of an era. Brava!

Great Book!
I really enjoyed this book. Its an interesting read about the effect of WWII on world fashion and also a helpful resorce guide to fashion and trends of the era. I must for any vintage clothing collector or swing kid!

An excellent and outstanding source of concise information
I borrowed this book along with the other volumes (1940 to 1970 )from my library.This was exactly what I need for my assignment of different body types and the power of non verbal communication. It was very interestingand would recommend buying. This book was outstanding!

Good for adults too!
I thought this book was well written, even if it is supposedly for kids.It was full of information, pictures, and interesting trivia.As a free-lance writer and researcher of the Twenties, it's a good book to have in one's personal library! ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (5)

It's good for descriptions and definitions
I don't regret getting this book, but I have seen better. The illustrations are a good source but not an ideal one. I did notice, and maybe it's just me, that the drawings were not proportional and a little too cartoony (it's definately a personal preference). However the garments themselves are nicely drawn and will be helpful to me in the future.

good for fashion design and for fashion history students
a book with just illustrations and some helpful notes on the garment details. it doesn't dig deep into history and all that, but visually, it's awsome...it's essential for your studies...

A Very Good Reference Book..
I just recommended this book to a friend who wanted depictions of clothes from 1650-1700. It really is a very good timeline of fashion. Also,the drawings are very colorful and full of detail. A worthwhile investment for anyone who's interested in costuming or European history.

The author is an unoriginal, untalented illustator & writer
This is an absolutely pathetic book. The illustrator/author merely copied famous works of art from the Reniassance period. Wait, I shouldn't say copied: He made weak attempts at the imitation of these masterpieces. Couldhe not come up with something slightly original in text and drawing? Pleasesave your money.

...not the best one
This book has really nice pictures at all but after learning so much about the history of costume at university I was really unsatisfied with this book. It could have been more structure in it, too. ... Read more

Product Description
The first visual history of Modernist Italian fashion during Benito Mussolini's Fascist regime, and the product of immense research, Fashion at the Time of Fascism charts the fashion industry's ambivalent negotiation of international couture and the bizarre dictates of Fascism, and the legacy of this era in shaping today's fashion industry. Authors Mario Lupano and Alessandra Vaccari explore and compare a huge range of forgotten archival sources, such as women's glossies, fashion, film and gossip magazines, photo archives, exhibition and commercial catalogues, books, manuals and magazines on tailoring, dressmaking, design and architecture, and corporate and government journals. This abundance of materials is presented in a fluid sequence of image and text that charts the rhythms, rituals and lifestyles of the typical Italian day through the four basic themes of "Measurements," "Model," "Brand" and "Parade." Each section includes texts that highlight the key figures and phases in Italian fashion, from the 1920s to the early 1940s, juxtaposing them with Modernism's broader salient themes and emphasizing the conscious use of glamour in the regime's super-choreographed portrayal of itself. Fashion at the Time of Fascism is further enriched by a thorough iconographic index and a detailed reference list, making the volume a revelation for both general readers and scholars. ... Read more

Product Description
A comprehensive and illuminating survey of 500 years of fashion, as seen through the art of its period. Focusing on the means by which costume has been recorded - from woodcuts, engravings and fashion plates to film, photography and the Internet - it offers examples from all over the world. ... Read more

Product Description
Corsets so tight they cracked ribs?! The Weird History series shines the spotlight on some of the crazy and not-as-crazy-as-it-seems things people have done over the centuries. They Wore What?! examines the great lengths we have gone to to look good (or so we thought!), from frumpy fashions to painful piercings. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Quick guide to the foibles of fashion
This is not a comprehensive guide to the history of fashion.Instead, it highlights some of the most extreme trends and fads in fashion, such as high/big hair, body art, unwalkable shoes, body piercings, corsets, body binding, hats, bras, furs and body shape trends, to name some.

This books is not entirely value neutral.It doesn't pass judgment on, for example, the use of makeup or indulging hairstyle trends, but it does shake it's head at the current (for the last fifty years) trend of very thin female bodies, including the "waif" look popularized in the 90s by Kate Moss, and unnecessary and dangerous cosmetic plastic surgery.It also raises its eyebrows at body art when practiced unsafely (uncleanly) and for superstitious reasons (such as the Samoans who believed it could stave off rheumatism).

Most of the information makes you shake your head and be glad that you live in the 21st century and don't have to wear corsets that break ribs and/or strangle internal organs, face makeup that causes death or hair styles that reach eighteen or more inches high.It also inspires some awe when thinking about modern conveniences, like the bra, which are among the most complicated garments to produce.One of the ideas that pervades all of the sections is that it is mostly the very wealthy that are subjected to most of the more extreme fashions- poorer segments of any civilization are too busy working to prioritize anything other than comfort.

The book leaves the reader with the question: after what you've learned from the book, does it still seem important to follow trends in fashion?Hopefully the young reader will at least answer "not as much." ... Read more

Product Description
This colorful and imaginative book presents 30 fabulous costume projects covering great fashion styles from history, journeying from ancient Rome, Egypt, Japan and China to the worlds of the Incas, Native Americans, and Celts. The book provides an easy and fun way for children to learn about fashion and clothing from many cultures and civilizations, and practical projects allow them to bring different aspects of the past to life. Try creating your own Roman toga or a Japanese netsuke fox, make a Native American headdress, an Artic Saami hat, or a pharoah's crown from ancient Egypt. ... Read more

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Product Description
A History of 20th Century Fashion charts the early dominance of couture to the influences of street culture. The narrative is based on a firm understanding of social, economic and technical developments all over the world, and emphasizes the commercial organization of the industry, from designer and textile manufacturer right through to the consumer. Over 100 b/w and 50 colour illustrations bring the history of fashion to life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A good basic review of 20th century fashion, but make sure to check which edition you have
_A History of 20th Century Fashion_ is best appreciated as what it is; a basic, introductory text to the subject of fashion history in the past century.Author Elizabeth Ewing doesn't aim at extremely detailed, in-depth examination of every subheading of the subject of fashion, preferring instead to show the major trends, ideas and designs of the century.The book is very well-illustrated, _always_ a plus in a book on such an inherently visual topic (in fact, I consider good illustration so important in a book on fashion that I'll deduct a full star from my review of any book on the topic that doesn't have a decent selection of pictures).Be sure to check which edition you're buying if you want the latest one; the book has been updated several times since its original publication (the edition listed here is the 4th revised edition, dated 2001).Best appreciated in conjunction with other good texts on the subject (such as Caroline Millbank's _Couture_ and Ruth Lynam's _Couture_, or James Laver's _Fashion and Costume_), but nonetheless definitely recommended for a costume student's library.

History of 20th Century Fashion

History of 20th Century Fashion contains information on the styling and designers that made them. It starts in the 1900's and goes to 1980's. It tells about the trends and fashions of that era and the designers who made them. The book goes into detail about some of the designer's life and his or her achievements. The book also makes the connection to the Paris inspirations. Not only does this book discuss the clothing but it also discusses the shoes and the hairstyles. History of 20th Century Fashions covers everything that happened from 1900 to 1980. if you need a book for fashion history this is it this is extremly detaled and self explanatory.
... Read more

Product Description
Now available in an attractive and nicely priced flexi edition, this best-selling book is an opulent and absorbing overview of the fashion world throughout the twentieth century.

From Coco Chanel to Christian Dior, Kenzo to Versace, grunge to haute couture, every period and major name in twentieth-century fashion is included in this comprehensive collection of photographs, drawings, and fascinating historical text. Organized intosections according to style, it features double-page spreads highlighting every aspect of fashion: designers, models, critics and fashion photographers. Gorgeous images by Peter Lindbergh, Nick Knight, Mario Testino, and others capture the attitudes and artistry of fashion as it evolved over the decades. As glamorous as its subject, this colorful survey will provide inspiration for anyone fascinated with the world of fashion. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Drier than Dry
This book reads worse than a textbook. Each (tiny) section, covering a few years to a decade's worth of fashion, is written by a different author, giving it a completely disjointed and non-comprehensive point-of-view. Might be good if you only need strict facts.

Edgy and Sophisticated
Icons of Fashion: The 20th Century is a very edgy and sophisticated book. It takes on a unique approach about the icons of the 20th century. The content of this book is not in chronological order but rather in theme and designer ranging from the 1900s to 2000.

To details of the pictures to the interesting facts of the earliest designers made me want to read more about the book. Reading about the designers, on the side of the book, there is a timeline about their life and businesses, which was really helpful, considering I had to write an assignment about the different designers and I could just refer back to the timeline.

I loved how the book gave pictures dating back to the 1900s to today. It was really interesting to see how fashion goes in a circle. For example, the belt around the waist, that just came into fashion two years ago. Also the design, the little black dress.

This book isvery helpful and I suggest it to anyone who is interested in the fashion Industry becuase it was interesting, colorful and very educational.

An excellent overview blending visuals with a running commentary on fashion's influence
The history of the 20th century can be revealed through its fashion trends, and Gerda Buxbaum Icons Of Fashion: The 20th Century proves this with an overview of fashion trends and revolutions. Yes, there are the icons of fashion to testify to these changes: Chanel, Karan and others - but also fine photos capturing styles ranging from body stockings to military and cocktail dress; all contained in an excellent overview blending visuals with a running commentary on fashion's influence.

An excellent overview blending visuals with a running commentary on fashion's influence
The history of the 20th century can be revealed through its fashion trends, and Gerda Buxbaum Icons Of Fashion: The 20th Century proves this with an overview of fashion trends and revolutions. Yes, there are the icons of fashion to testify to these changes: Chanel, Karan and others - but also fine photos capturing styles ranging from body stockings to military and cocktail dress; all contained in an excellent overview blending visuals with a running commentary on fashion's influence.

An excellent overview blending visuals with a running commentary on fashion's influence
The history of the 20th century can be revealed through its fashion trends, and Gerda Buxbaum Icons Of Fashion: The 20th Century proves this with an overview of fashion trends and revolutions. Yes, there are the icons of fashion to testify to these changes: Chanel, Karan and others - but also fine photos capturing styles ranging from body stockings to military and cocktail dress; all contained in an excellent overview blending visuals with a running commentary on fashion's influence. ... Read more

Product Description

The Fashion History Reader is an innovative work that provides a broad introduction to the complex literature in the fields of fashion studies, and dress and fashion history.

A comprehensive resource for those who wish to further their engagement with fashion as a contemporary phenomenon, the book connects a diverse range of approaches and incorporates non-Western literature within better-known studies from Europe and North America.

It identifies the history of fashion as a meeting point between the long-standing historical investigation of ‘dress’ and ‘costume’ and the more recent development of those sociological and anthropological-inspired studies that have come to be called ‘fashion theory’.

Twenty-three chapters and over forty shorter ‘Snapshot’ texts cover a wide range of topics and approaches within the history of fashion, ranging from object-based studies to theory-driven analyses. The book is divided into six parts, surveying some of the key themes in the history of fashion. Themes also move in and across time, providing a chronology to enable student learning:　

• parts 1-3 cover the fifteenth to the eighteenth-century
• parts 4 and 5 cover the nineteenth-century to the contemporary (with particular attention given to non-European countries)
• part 6 provides a survey of the global setting and current globalised nature of fashion.

A comprehensive introduction by the editors will contextualise debates for students, synthesising past history and bringing them up-to-date through a discussion of globalisation. Each section also includes a short, accessible introduction by the editors, placing each chapter within the wider, thematic treatment of fashion and its history, and an Annotated Guide to Further Reading encourages students to enhance their learning independently.

Product Description
The definitive costume book: a glorious celebration of ethnographic clothing that brilliantly traces influences from culture to culture around the globe.

From Neolithic plant-fiber skirts, Ancient Egyptian linen shifts, and Classical togas through Mongolian shamanic robes, Japanese kimonos, and Indian saris to nineteenth-century Tyrolean dirndls, contemporary African ceremonial attire, and today's Middle Eastern burqas, every notable geographical region, historical period, and style of dress is covered here.

All aspects of dress and accessories are discussed: basic men's and women's clothing, footwear, outerwear, hairstyles, headgear, jewelry, armor, special costumes, garment decoration, and face and body modification. More than one thousand illustrations include both vintage and modern-day photographs of local people in local clothing; color plates of museum-quality artifacts on display or posed on mannequins; historical paintings, miniatures, woodblock prints, and other artworks showing traditional clothing; line drawings illustrating traditional motifs and designs; and more than fifty specially commissioned maps.

As well as discovering remarkable examples of actual garments and accessories, Patricia R. Anawalt has unearthed stunning representations of authentic worldwide dress in the form of statues, figurines, busts, stone plaques, monumental carvings, friezes, murals, mosaics, and pottery. Historical backgrounds on each region include descriptions of population, geography, and climate, allowing the reader to understand fully the development of an area's clothing customs. 1,100 illustrations and photographs, 800 in color. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Gorgeous book; gorgeous textiles!
I have a textile collection that includes 500 items from about 60 countries.But if I had read this book earlier, I probably would either have twice as much or half as much but twice as good!There are many regions that are covered here that one rarely gets to read about, like Tierra del Fuego, the southernmost parts of South America, the many South Pacific Ocean islands and cultures, and the outstanding textiles of native Americans, from Alaska to Argentina.This ia a good reference book which should then lead to other books on specific topics...unfortunately, I did it the expensive way - specific books and finally this one!!!Gives the reader an easy way to follow how dress, textiles, developed from Year 1 to the present and an appreciation of how many cultures have managed to keep their pre-Western clothing through the years of colonialism and imperialism.

Truly a Masterpiece
I anxiously awaited this arrival of this book.It arrived today and did not disappoint.Visually stunning with an easily readable text. Beautiful....beautiful book.Highly recommended.

World Historyof Dress
This is an absolutely fabulous book. Anyone interested in world cultures, clothing, design, or history will enjoy it. It is richly illustrated. I have an ethnic doll collection and this book will help me identify region dress of my dolls.

Atlas of clothes
For a doll artist whois constantly looking for fashionn inspiration this book is a must. Color photos are fantastic, some pictures show steps to wearing a garment. Anyone who is interested in other cultures, fashion and world history this book covers it all.The price is well worth it.

A magnificent accomplishment
This is one of the most beautiful books I've had the pleasure of reading.If you are at all interested in world culture, or history or people and their clothing, you must add The Worldwide History of Dress to your collection.Within this text you will find everything you ever wanted to know about the history of fashion and gain new insight into the different customs and traditions of world civilization.It is a remarkable book and I highly recommend it. ... Read more