100 Best Costume Books of All Time

We've ranked the best costume books using expert recommendations, sales data, and millions of reader ratings. At Shortform, we know books. Our book guides are the best in the world. Learn why.

1

Patterns of Fashion 3: The Cut and Construction of Clothes for Men and Women, C.1560-1620

Janet Arnold

5.0
Originally published: London: MacMillan, 1985.

Pictures, descriptions and patterns of men and women's clothing from--1560-1620. While you can make the clothing, using the patterns given, be prepared for it to take a while.
2

Costume Close-Up: Clothing Construction and Pattern, 1750-1790

Linda Baumgarten, John Watson, Florine Carr

4.9
Colonial Williamsburg owns one of the most outstanding collections of period costumes in the world, numbering almost 900 costumes and more than 2,400 accessories.There are 25 full-page patterns in inches and centimeters for women's and men's clothing and accessories accompanied by photographs.
3

The Costume Technician's Handbook: A Complete Guide for Amateur and Professional Costume Technicians

Elizabeth Covey, Rosemary Ingham, Susan Tsu

4.9
This handbook is a guide to developing stage costumes that are personally distinctive and artistically expressive. Features include: health and safety practices in the costume shop; chapters on pattern drafting and sewing operations; and an expanded section on alterations.
4

Costume in Detail: Women's Dress 1730-1930

Nancy Bradfield

4.8
This book will be of interest to anyone professionally or educationally involved in costume history as it includes many detailed drawings and studies of dresses and accessories based on research from private collections.
Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty book cover5

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty

Andrew Bolton

4.8
Arguably the most influential, imaginative, and provocative designer of his generation, Alexander McQueen both challenged and expanded fashion conventions to express ideas about race, class, sexuality, religion, and the environment. Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty examines the full breadth of the designer’s career, from the start of his fledgling label to the triumphs of his own world-renowned Lo
6

Nineteenth-Century Fashion in Detail

Lucy Johnston

4.7
Bringing to life the renowned collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, Lucy Johnston explores the major themes of nineteenth-century dress, revealing the richness of the period. The photographs are richly supplemented by detailed commentary and illustrations.
7

Patterns of Fashion 1 Englishwomen's Dresses & Their Construction C. 1660-1860

Janet Arnold

4.7
Dresses and their construction from 1660 to 1860.

Includes descriptions, line drawings and reproductions of historic magazines and books. The patterns for selected garments have been updated for the modern silhouette.
8

Patterns of Fashion 2 Englishwomen's Dresses & Their Construction C. 1860-1940

Janet Arnold

4.7
Dresses and their construction from 1860 to 1940.

Includes line drawings, reproductions of historic magazines and books, descriptions of the fabrics used to make the chosen garments and, finally patterns to make the garments that have been updated to fit the modern silhouette.
9

Queen of Fashion: What Marie Antoinette Wore to the Revolution

Caroline Weber

4.7
10

Historical Fashion in Detail: The 17th and 18th Centuries

Avril Hart, Susan North, Richard Davis

4.6
This sumptuously illustrated book offers the first up-close view of the richness and variety of historical dress of the 17th and 18th centuries. Drawn from the Victoria and Albert Museum's world-famous collection, these garments display skills that are now lost, yet continue to inspire today's leading designers.

Much of the finery seen here is too fragile to be on permanent display, or its detail t
11

Fashion: The Collection of the Kyoto Costume Institute - A History from the 18th to the 20th Century

Akiko Fukai

4.5
Clothes define people. A person's clothing, whether it's a sari, kimono, or business suit, is an essential key to his or her culture, class, personality, or even religion. The Kyoto Costume Institute recognizes the importance of understanding clothing sociologically, historically, and artistically. Founded in 1978, the KCI holds one of the world's most extensive clothing collections and has curate
12

Corsets and Crinolines

Norah Waugh

4.5
The first of Miss Waugh's important books on historic costume, "Corsets and Crinolines," set a new standard of accuracy and lively interest. Showing that the silhouette of women's dress has been in a state of continuous change, allied to economic and architectural evolution as well as changing ideas of sexual attractiveness, she itemizes three cycles in the last 400 years in which women's silhouet
Little Book of Louis Vuitton: The Story of the Iconic Fashion House (Little Books of Fashion) book cover13

Little Book of Louis Vuitton: The Story of the Iconic Fashion House (Little Books of Fashion)

Karen Homer

4.5

Little Book of Louis Vuitton is the pocket-sized and fully illustrated story of one of the world's most luxurious fashion houses.Louis Vuitton's monogrammed bags have been seen on the arms of celebrities and royals alike for over 150 years. From the young Louis seeking his fortune in Paris through to two world wars, the Great Depression, the Jazz Age and the Swinging Sixties, there is no era in wh

Vogue® Knitting The Ultimate Knitting Book: Completely Revised Updated book cover14

Vogue® Knitting The Ultimate Knitting Book: Completely Revised Updated

Vogue Knitting Magazine

4.5
“An essential addition to the knitter's bookshelf.” —Library Journal (starred review)

The ultimate knitting reference, from the world’s most recognized knitting magazine, gets a thorough update—including 1,600 color images and brand-new sections with techniques and designs!

First published in 1989, Vogue Knitting The Ultimate Knitting Book instantly became a beloved resource for knitters. The seco
15

The Costumes of Burlesque: 1866-2018

Coleen Scott

4.5
The Costumes of Burlesque: 1866-2018 is the first volume to inclusively document burlesque costume from its birth in the 1860's through the global burlesque movement in 2018. This lushly illustrated book presents the history and development of this American art form by documenting the origins, influencers, and genuine articles that created its aesthetic. Showcases of legendary performers, includin
16

The Costume Making Guide: Creating Armor & Props for Cosplay

Svetlana Quindt

4.5
You want to get into Cosplay but don’t know where to start? Allow me to guide you! In this beginner’s guide you’ll get the perfect introduction into this wonderful creative world. Learn what Cosplay is all about and make your first big steps into armor and prop creation. No previous knowledge required!
Little Book of Dior (Little Books of Fashion) book cover17

Little Book of Dior (Little Books of Fashion)

Karen Homer

4.4

Opulent, feminine, iconic. The House of Dior revolutionized the way women dressed, shopped and saw themselves.From the trailblazing New Look silhouette in 1947 through to their exquisite red-carpet couture and feminist T-shirts, Dior's pieces have been worn by everyone from Sophia Loren to Natalie Portman. The last word in elegance and celebration of the female form, the House that changed the cou

18

Woven Into the Earth

Else OSTERGAARD

4.4
One of the century's most spectacular archaeological finds occurred in 1921, a year before Howard Carter stumbled upon Tutankhamun's tomb, when Poul Norlund recovered dozens of garments from a graveyard in the Norse settlement of Herjolfsnaes, Greenland. Preserved intact for centuries by the permafrost, these mediaeval garments display remarkable similarities to western European costumes of the ti
19

20,000 Years of Fashion: The History of Costume and Personal Adornment

Francois Boucher

4.4
Oversized Hardcover tells the story of how people have dressed themselves from the earliest recorded times to modern times. A definitive study featuring each epoch and region, clearly discussed so that the novice can enjoy this volume as well as the scholar. A must for any student of the arts or anyone interested in how fashion has evolved.
20

The Costume Supervisor's Toolkit: Supervising Theatre Costume Production from First Meeting to Final Performance

Rebecca Pride

4.3
The Costume Supervisor's Toolkit explores the responsibilities of a Costume Supervisor within a theatrical, opera or dance production company. Rebecca Pride provides an insight into all manner of processes, beginning with a definition of the role, and offers explanations of the timeline from the first design meetings, leading all the way up to managing fittings and final rehearsals. This how-to gu
Little Guides to Style: The Story of Four Iconic Fashion Houses (Little Books of Fashion, 17) book cover21

Little Guides to Style: The Story of Four Iconic Fashion Houses (Little Books of Fashion, 17)

Emma Baxter-Wright, Karen Homer, Laia Farran Graves

4.3

Containing the stories of four legendary fashion houses, this collectable box holds a beautiful set of covetable style guides.Exploring four designers who exemplify elegance and high couture, these little books of fashion follow these brands from their creation, moving through their style evolutions, the key looks that define them and their impact on the fashion landscape today.Discover the story

The Art of Manipulating Fabric book cover22

The Art of Manipulating Fabric

Colette Wolff

4.3
The possibilities for three-dimensional manipulation of fabric - gathering, pleating, tucking, shirring, and quilting woven materials - are seemingly endless. To describe them all would be to describe the entire history of sewing.


In "The Art of manipulating Fabric," Colette Wolff has set herself just this task, and she succeeds brilliantly. Working from the simplest possible form - a flat piece o

Witchy Stitching: 25 Patterns to Haunt Your Home book cover23

Witchy Stitching: 25 Patterns to Haunt Your Home

Meghan Westfall, The Witchy Stitcher

4.3

In this spooky guide, The Witchy Stitcher welcomes you to the dark (and sometimes unusual) corner of cross stitch.Discover the haunted side of stitching with Meg Black. Bewitch your home with patterns inspired by gothic art, Halloween curiosities, haunted holidays and witchy oddities.Featuring 25 projects for all abilities, new and seasoned stitchers are welcome here.- Stitch your own spooky abode

24

Harry Potter: Knitting Magic: The Official Guide to Creating Original Knits Inspired By the Harry Potter Films

Tanis Gray

4.3
Introducing the first official Harry Potter knitting book—a deluxe guide to creating over 25 authentic Harry Potter knits based on the iconic films.

Channel the magic of the Harry Potter films from the screen to your needles with the ultimate knitter’s guide to the Wizarding World. Featuring over 25 magical knits pictured in gorgeous full-color photography, this book includes patterns for clothing,
25

Couture Sewing Techniques

Claire B. Shaeffer

4.3
The world of haute couture is a place where only a privileged few can ever hope to reside, right? Wrong. Fashion historian Claire B. Shaeffer opened the door to this exclusive realm in her authoritative guide to the techniques that define couture sewing. And now, the industry bible, Couture Sewing Techniques , has been revised and updated throughout -- with new photos and a chapter on specialty
26

The Fashion Sketchpad: 420 Figure Templates for Designing Looks and Building Your Portfolio (Drawing Books, Fashion Books, Fashion Design Books, Fashion Sketchbooks)

Tamar Daniel

4.3
You can be a fashion designer and create the wardrobe of your dream with The Fashion Sketchpad.

Spend less time struggling to draw proportional figures and more time designing gorgeous looks:
The Fashion Sketchpad is the ultimate fashion sketchbook for the aspiring designers who love to sketch clothes but don't have the skills (or the patience!) to draw proportional figures. This fashion design book
The Little Book of Chanel book cover27

The Little Book of Chanel

Emma Baxter-Wright, Welbeck

4.3

Little Book of Chanel is the pocket-sized and beautifully illustrated story of the most celebrated fashion designer in history. Chronicling the life and legacy of Coco Chanel, one of fashion's most influential couturiers, this gorgeous book offers a fascinating account of Chanel's evolution and innovation. From her early days of millinery, through her revolutionary inventions in sportswear and jer

28

The Medieval Tailor's Assistant: Making Common Garments 1200-1500

Sarah Thursfield

4.3
From establishing the date for your outfit, defining the wearer, and selecting garments, to measurements, patterns, materials, methods of construction, braies, shirts and smocks, cotes, doublets, kirtles, hose, surcotes, cotehardies, gowns, overkirtles, cloaks, children's clothing, headwear, and on to accessories, this is the perfect resource all in one volume. There are more than 400 line drawing
29

Textiles and Clothing, c.1150-1450 (Medieval Finds from Excavations in London)

Elisabeth Crowfoot, Frances Pritchard, Kay Staniland

4.3
Among the most evocative items to be discovered by archaeologists are the scraps of silk and wool and other fabrics that signal so eloquently their owner's status and concerns. Such clothing and textile finds have figured prominently in excavations of medieval sites in London in the past two decades; they have included knitting, tapestries, silk hair-nets and elaborately patterned oriental, Islami
30

Harry Potter: The Character Vault

Jody Revenson

4.3
A comprehensive, full-color compendium of the key characters in all eight of the Harry Potter films, filled with never-before-seen photographs and illustrations, covering the costumes, makeup, weaponry, and behind-the-scenes story that brought each personality memorably to life on the big screen.

Harry Potter: The Character Vault offers fans a deeper look at the creative development of the characte
Harry Potter: Crochet Wizardry: The Official Harry Potter Crochet Pattern Book book cover31

Harry Potter: Crochet Wizardry: The Official Harry Potter Crochet Pattern Book

Insight Editions

4.3

Crochet your own costumes, familiar creatures, and classic artifacts from the Harry Potter films in this follow up companion to the bestselling Harry Potter: Knitting Magic.Conjure the magic of the Wizarding World with your crochet hook with this deluxe collection of more than 20 official patterns for toys, keepsakes, and costume replicas inspired by the Harry Potter films. A comprehensive, offici

Textilepedia: The Complete Fabric Guide book cover32

Textilepedia: The Complete Fabric Guide

Fashionary

4.3

Textilepedia: The Ultimate Textile BibleTextilepedia is an extensive textile dictionary that covers all essential fabric knowledge, making it the ultimate reference for anyone involved in the fashion industry. Whether you're a seasoned designer or a beginner, this book simplifies the complex world of textiles with a perfect blend of text and imagery. It includes everything from fibers, yarns, wove

Little Book of Hermès: The story of the iconic fashion house (Little Books of Fashion) book cover33

Little Book of Hermès: The story of the iconic fashion house (Little Books of Fashion)

Karen Homer

4.3

The iconic bags, the instantly recognizable packaging, the celebrity fans – Hèrmes is the last word in luxurious accessories. Through the generations, Hermès have created innovative and exquisite accessories for the most glamorous customers. From their nineteenth-century saddlery workshop to 1960s Paris and beyond, Hermès has graced the arms and wardrobes of style icons from Grace Kelly and Jane B

Knitting the National Parks: 63 Easy-to-Follow Designs for Beautiful Beanies Inspired by the US National Parks book cover34

Knitting the National Parks: 63 Easy-to-Follow Designs for Beautiful Beanies Inspired by the US National Parks

Nancy Bates

4.3

From the brightly colored pebbles of Lake McDonald in Montana’s Glacier National Park to the regal granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome in California’s Yosemite Valley, the US National Parks contain some of the most recognizable and iconic natural landmarks in the world. Capture the majesty each national park offers with original beanie patterns created by knitting designer and outdoor enthu

35

Patterns of Fashion 4: The Cut and Construction of Linen Shirts, Smocks, Neckwear, Headwear and Accessories for Men and Women C. 1540-1660

Janet Arnold;Jenny Tiramani;Santina Levey

4.3
The cut and construction of linen shirts, smocks, neckwear, headwear and accessories for men and women c. 1540 - 1660: Cut and Construction ... Neck and Headwear, Etc., C. 1540-1660 No. 4

No one interested in the history of dress, from art historians to stage designers, from museum curators to teachers of fashion and costume, can function effectively without Janet Arnold's "Patterns of Fashion" ser
Spider-Man: Birth of Venom book cover36

Spider-Man: Birth of Venom

Jim Shooter, Roger Stern, et al.

4.3
Collects Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #252-259, #300 and #315-317, Web Of Spider-Man (1985) #1 and material from Secret Wars #8, Amazing Spider-Man (1963) #298-299, Fantastic Four #274, Amazing Spider-Man Annual #25.

The Beyonder's Battleworld might seem a strange place to get new threads, but it's Spider-Man who becomes unraveled when his shape-changing costume attempts to darken his life as well as
37

Period Costume for Stage and Screen: Patterns for Womens' Dress, 1500 - 1800

Jean Hunnisett, Janette Haslam

4.3
38

Victorian Fashions and Costumes from Harper's Bazar, 1867-1898

Stella Blum

4.3
After the Civil War the upper middle class in America expanded and became increasingly style-conscious. Visiting European royalty as well as American women returning from the International Exhibition in Paris in 1867 stimulated fashion awareness — and it was in this climate that the magazine Harper's Bazar flowered. Dedicated to being "A repository of Fashion, Pleasure, and Instruction," it brough
39

Harry Potter: the Artifact Vault

Jody Revenson

4.3
Throughout the making of the eight Harry Potter movies, designers and craftspeople were tasked with creating fabulous chocolate-fantasy feasts, flying brooms, enchanted maps, and much more, in addition to numerous magical items necessary in a wizard’s everyday life—for example, newspapers with moving photos, vicious textbooks, and Howlers. Harry Potter: The Artifact Vault chronicles the work of th
40

Foamsmith 2: How to Forge Foam Weapons

Bill Doran

4.3
41

Harry Potter: the Creature Vault

Jody Revenson

4.3
Dementors and House-elves, merpeople and Chinese Fireball Dragons—these are just a few of the magical creatures and frightening monsters populating J. K. Rowling's wizarding world. Harry Potter: The Creature Vault is a fascinating look at how this menagerie was brought to life for the blockbuster Harry Potter film series. Detailed profiles of each creature include rare concept illustrations, behin
42

The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Dressmaking: How to Hand Sew Georgian Gowns and Wear Them With Style

Lauren Stowell

4.2
With the popularity of Outlander, Penny Dreadful and Game of Thrones as well as the popularity of conventions like San Diego Comic Con, fans are eager to create period gowns that emulate the characters they love. Lauren Stowell and Abby Cox, owners of the popular online store American Duchess, have teamed together to recreate four complete dresses from the 18th century. Whether readers are experie
43

Period Costume for Stage & Screen: Patterns for Womens' Dress, 1800 - 1909

Jean Hunnisett, Janette Haslam

4.2
PERIOD COSTUME FOR STAGE & SCREEN is a comprehensive guide to creating women's dress from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

As well as being historically accurate, Jean Hunnisett's patterns have been adapted so that they can be readily made up using today's fabrics and sewing methods, and to fit the modern female figure.

The book includes scaled patterns for each costume as well as step-
Patternmaking for Fashion Design book cover44

Patternmaking for Fashion Design

HELEN JOSEPH ARMSTRONG

4.2
Same Content as US Edition in Different Softcover Design
45

Yaya Han's World of Cosplay: A Guide to Fandom Costume Culture

Yaya Han

4.2
The authoritative guide to cosplay written by a legend in the community, and packed with step-by-step advice and fascinating investigations into every aspect of the art.

Cosplay—a portmanteau combining "costume" and "play"—has become one of the hottest trends in fandom . . . and Yaya Han is its shining superstar. In this guide to cosplaying, Han narrates her 20-year journey from newbie fan to ent
The Complete Photo Guide to Perfect Fitting book cover46

The Complete Photo Guide to Perfect Fitting

Sarah Veblen

4.2
The Complete Photo Guide to Perfect Fitting is the ultimate reference for fitting test garments and transferring accurate adjustments to patterns.

No matter what size or shape you are, wearing garments that fit perfectly makes you look and feel better. Rather than making commonly accepted changes to a commercial pattern, the method presented in this guide focuses on the way a test garment fits the
47

Patterns for Theatrical Costumes: Garments, Trims, and Accessories from Ancient Egypt to 1915

Katherine Strand Holkeboer

4.2
Kathering Strand Holkeboer offers step-by-step instructions for making a huge variety of period costumes - gowns, tunics, head-dresses, jackets, robes, breeches - from the early Egyptians to the beginning of the 20th century.
48

Moda a Firenze 1540-1580: Lo stile di Eleonora di Toledo e la sua influenza

Roberta Orsi-Landini, Bruna Niccoli

4.2
Italian and English texts, including: Eleonora di Toledo: Duchess of Tuscany in history and legend; Eleonora's style; Costume in the Medici ceremonies; The clothes that have survived; The individual garments; Tailors and embroiderers; Florentine textile production; The wardrobe of Eleonora di Toledo.
49

Costume and Fashion: A Concise History

James Laver, Amy de la Haye, Andrew Tucker

4.2
From the momentous invention of the needle some 40,000 years ago to the development of blue denim; from Neolithic weavers to the biggest names in the fashion industry today—this classic guide covers the landmarks of costume history, the forms and materials used through the ages, as well as the underlying motives of fashion and the ways in which clothes have been used to protect, to express identit
50

Charles James: Beyond Fashion

Harold Koda, Jan Giler Reeder, Ralph Rucci, Sarah Scaturro, Glenn Petersen

4.2
"His work went beyond fashion and was a fine art." —a Charles James patron

Charles James, often considered to be America’s first couturier, was renowned in the 1940s and 1950s as a master at sculpting fabric for the female form and creating fashions that defined mid-century glamour. Although James had no formal training as a dressmaker, he created strikingly original and complex designs, including
51

Harry Potter: Magical Places from the Films

Jody Revenson

4.2
A comprehensive and delightful look at Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, The Burrow, Azkaban prison and all of the memorable places, both loved and feared, that brought the Harry Potter movies to life—a keepsake treasury bound in a debossed leatherette case and featuring a removable poster and interactive booklet.

Grand in its design and package, Harry Potter: Magical Places from the Films: Hogwarts, Diagon
52

Fashion: The Definitive History of Costume and Style

DK Publishing

4.2
Tracing the evolution of fashion — from the early draped fabrics of ancient times to the catwalk couture of today — Fashion: The Definitive History of Costume and Style is a stunningly illustrated guide to more than three thousand years of shifting trends and innovative developments in the world of clothing.

Containing everything you need to know about changing fashion and style — from ancient Egyp
53

Chanel: The Vocabulary of Style

Jérôme Gautier

4.2
A luxurious book that showcases the spirit and essence of Chanel's iconic style through the medium of fashion photography

Gabrielle Bonheur "Coco" Chanel (1883-1971) was undoubtedly the most influential fashion designer of the 20th century. Her clothes and accessories have remained perennially chic, and her legendary fashion house continues to exert a powerful sway over today's designers. Jérôme G
54

Shape by Shape, Collection 2: Free-Motion Quilting with Angela Walters 70+ More Designs for Blocks, Backgrounds & Borders

Angela Walters

4.2
Take your quilting to the next level! Best-selling author Angela Walters shares 70+ all-new free-motion designs and variations to fit a variety of shapes, plus background fillers and borders. Tackle your quilt top one bite at a time with step-by-step illustrations and detail photos, plus a visual index. Then see how they all go together with inspiring full-page quilts from the master herself. For
Simply Sashiko: Classic Japanese Embroidery Made Easy (With 36 Actual Size Templates) book cover55

Simply Sashiko: Classic Japanese Embroidery Made Easy (With 36 Actual Size Templates)

Nihon Vogue

4.2

Sashiko: the needlework form of both decorative and functional embroidery developed in Japan many centuries ago.With just four key materials needed—needle, thread, thimble and fabric—Sashiko stitches have long been a favorite for quilting and embroidery. Today, the style is popular in the visible mending movement because of its simplicity, efficiency and aesthetic appeal. With Simply Sashiko, you

56

The Corset: A Cultural History

Valerie Steele

4.2
The corset is probably the most controversial garment in the history of fashion. Although regarded as an essential element of fashionable dress from the Renaissance into the twentieth century, the corset was also frequently condemned as an instrument of torture and the cause of ill health. Why did women continue to don steel and whalebone corsets for four hundred years? And why did they finally st
57

Underwear: Fashion in Detail

Eleri Lynn

4.2
Get intimately acquainted with the V&A’s world-renowned collection of undergarments in this eye-opening visual history. From camisoles to corsets, basques to boudoir caps, Underwear: Fashion in Detail traces the peculiar evolution of underwear. Revealing photographs highlight close-up details in the garments, while intricate line drawings show their masterly construction. A wide range of designs i
58

The Tudor Child: Clothing and Culture 1485 to 1625

Jane Huggett, Ninya Mikhaila, Jane Malcom-Davies

4.2
210 color illustrations, 126 detailed illustrations, 53 patterns. The book is illustrated with sumptuous reproductions of paintings from museum collections, specially commissioned photographs of reconstructed, and detailed drawings and diagrams showing styles appropriate to different ranks and eras from 1485 to 1625.
59

Fashioning Fashion: European Dress in Detail, 1700–1915

Sharon Sadako Takeda

4.2
"Every detail matters, whether you are telling a story or creating a collection or starting a revolution. Fashioning Fashion takes you through fashion and time with the sumptuous variety of an extraordinary collection. I promise, it cannot fail to inspire you."
-From the preface by John Galliano

The creation of eighteenth and nineteenth century fashion moved at a much slower tempo than the lightning
Fashion, New Edition: The Definitive Visual Guide book cover60

Fashion, New Edition: The Definitive Visual Guide

DK

4.1
Learn all about fashion's trailblazers and trendsetters in this boldly illustrated, definitive guide that charts style from the late 19th century to the modern day.

From the extravagance of Ancient Egypt, through the legendary houses of Chanel and Dior, to today's catwalk sensations, this gorgeous, carefully curated collection shows how fashion reflects people and places, and captures the times in
61

Vintage Hairstyling: Retro Styles with Step-by-Step Techniques

Lauren Rennells

4.1
There was something very special and beautiful about women in the early- to mid-20th century. The way they dressed was elegant and the way they wore their hair was feminine. This book shows how to create so many of those hairstyles by taking hairstyles from the 1930s, 40s, 50s, and 60s and breaking them down into simple, easy-to-follow instructions. It uses brand new photographs and detailed direc
The Costume History book cover62

The Costume History

Auguste Racinet

4.1
Togas, turbans, tailcoats, and top hats: The evolution of style from antiquity to 1888 Originally published in France between 1876 and 1888, Auguste Racinet's Le Costume historique was the most wide-ranging and incisive study of clothing ever attempted. Covering the world history of costume, dress, and style from antiquity through to the end of the 19th century, the six volume work remains complet
63

Seventeenth-Century Women's Dress Patterns: Book 1 (Women's Dress Patterns 1)

Jenny Tiramani, Susan North

4.1
This innovative and breathtakingly detailed book from the V&A presents dress patterns, construction details, embroidery, and making instructions (including a knitting pattern and lacemaking) for 15 garments and accessories from a 17th-century British woman's wardrobe. Step-by-step drawings of the construction sequence and scale patterns for each garment enable readers to accurately reconstruct the
Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitter's Almanac book cover64

Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitter's Almanac

Elizabeth Zimmermann

4.1
"One of America's most ingenious and creative knitters." — Barbara G. Walker, author of Treasury of Knitting Patterns.
Elizabeth Zimmerman once wrote, "So please bear with me, and put up with my opinionated, nay, sometimes cantankerous attitude. I feel strongly about knitting." Perhaps her passionate opinions, as well as her love of wool craft and her delightful style, hark back to her English upbr
Make: Props and Costume Armor: Create Realistic Science Fiction & Fantasy Weapons, Armor, and Accessories book cover65

Make: Props and Costume Armor: Create Realistic Science Fiction & Fantasy Weapons, Armor, and Accessories

Shawn Thorsson

4.1
Have you been trying to think of a way to conquer your local comic convention through cosplay? Do you gaze with envious eyes upon the fan-made suits of armored awesomeness strolling around every year on Halloween? Do you have a spot on your wall, bookshelf, or desk that desperately needs to be filled with a screen-accurate replica of your favorite science-fiction or fantasy weapon? If so, look no
Little Book of Tiffany & Co.: The story of the iconic jewellery brand (Little Books of Fashion) book cover66

Little Book of Tiffany & Co.: The story of the iconic jewellery brand (Little Books of Fashion)

Tamara Sturtz-Filby

4.1

The last word in luxury, sophistication and romance, Tiffany & Co. has dazzled shoppers since its beginnings in nineteenth-century New York. From Breakfast at Tiffany's to collaborating with Beyoncé, and with celebrity fans including Elizabeth Taylor and Lady Gaga, Tiffany & Co. has taken its glamorous jewellery from Fifth Avenue to the world. Featuring over 100 stunning images - including the bre

67

Curious George Goes to a Costume Party

Margret Rey, H. A. Rey

4.1
George and the man with the yellow hat arrive at a Halloween party—but they aren’t wearing costumes. No matter—there are plenty in an old trunk upstairs, and soon George is trying on all kinds of outfits. But when he wants to look in the mirror, George finds he has to jump on the bed. Downstairs, the partygoers begin to hear noises. Then the lights go out and they hear a crash! Uh-oh. Did someone
Patterns of India: A Journey Through Colors, Textiles, and the Vibrancy of Rajasthan book cover68

Patterns of India: A Journey Through Colors, Textiles, and the Vibrancy of Rajasthan

Christine Chitnis

4.1
It's the trip of a lifetime--a textile-based tour of colorful Rajasthan, India featuring more than 200 lush photographs depicting everday life in one of the most vibrant rregions in the world.

Patterns of India is a visual experience that offers intimate insights into the diverse and richly hued Western Indian culture. Color is the thread that binds the vast country together, defining every aspect
69

Corsets Historical Patterns & Techniques

Jill Salen

4.1
This title features the patterns, techniques and history of over 20 historically correct corsets, ranging from the 1750s to 1950, from boned corsets, ribbon corsets and basques to the more recent 1949 satin corsets.
The Art of Star Wars: Andor (The Complete Series) book cover70

The Art of Star Wars: Andor (The Complete Series)

Phillip Szostak

4.1

The official behind-the-scenes companion to the Emmy, WGA, SAG, Golden Globe, and BAFTA–Award nominated Disney+ series. New York Times bestseller!The Art of Star Wars: Andor (The Complete Series) gives readers an exclusive inside look at the production art, visual development, concept art, creature designs and FX, graphics, props, and more that went into creating the Tony Gilroy-helmed Disney+ ser

71

Seventeenth-Century Women's Dress Patterns: Book 2

Jenny Tiramani, Susan North

4.1
Book Two in the V&A’s groundbreaking new series presents 17 patterns for garments and accessories from a 17th-century woman’s wardrobe. It includes patterns for a loose gown, a jacket, a pair of stays and a boned bodice, ivory and wooden busks, shoes, a hat, a stomacher, linen bands and supporters, a bag, and a knife case. It also features a description of the stay-making process. Full step-by-ste
Little Book of Gucci: The Story of the Iconic Fashion House (Little Books of Fashion, 7) book cover72

Little Book of Gucci: The Story of the Iconic Fashion House (Little Books of Fashion, 7)

Karen Homer

4.1

The Little Book of Gucci tells the story of this historic yet flourishing house, and the visionary looks that have cemented its place in fashion history.One of the oldest Italian fashion brands in existence today, Gucci was founded in Florence in 1921. Guccio Gucci established his company with the goal of creating opulent luggage for Italy's wealthy and fashionable upper-classes. With the signatur

73

The Cut of Women's Clothes: 1600-1930

Norah Waugh

4.1
Each period in the history of costume has produced its own characteristic line and silhouette, derived from a cut and construction which varies considerably from age to age. Here are patterns taken from actual dresses, many of them rare museum specimens, illustrated by sketches of the dresses. There are notes on the production of women's dress, with references to early technical books and journals
74

Alice Starmore's Charts for Color Knitting: New and Expanded Edition

Alice Starmore

4.1
In the course of her career as an internationally recognized authority on knitting design and instruction, Alice Starmore has acquired a remarkable collection of charted designs for color knitting. This treasury features a choice selection of her source material, arranged into four parts: (1) Traditional patterns from Europe, Russia, and South America (2) Adaptations from textiles and other art, i
The Little Dictionary of Fashion: A Guide to Dress Sense for Every Woman book cover75

The Little Dictionary of Fashion: A Guide to Dress Sense for Every Woman

Christian Dior

4.1
Originally published: London: Cassell, 1954.
76

Period Costume for Stage & Screen

Jean Hunnisett, Jill Spanner, Fiona Ffoulkes, Kathryn Turner

4.1
This reference for costume designers contains 38 scaleable patterns and instructions for constructing selected types of historical outdoor garments for women. Coverage includes taking measurements, types of fabrics, sewing techniques, fitting, and harnessing the garment to the actor. The text is acc
77

Aran Knitting: New and Expanded Edition

Alice Starmore

4.1
The definitive guide to designing and knitting in the Irish Aran tradition, this highly sought after book returns to print after a decade's absence in a revised and expanded version. The author of many knitting classics, Alice Starmore is internationally renowned as a knitwear designer and an expert on knitting technique. In this guide, she presents a fascinating history of Aran knitting and an an
78

What Clothes Reveal: The Language of Clothing in Colonial and Federal America

Linda Baumgarten

4.1

Paintings of upper-class men and women tell an important part of the history of costumes, but surviving garments themselves reveal even more. Every crease, stitch, and stain in a piece of clothing supplies information about its wearer and its era. This stunning book features 18th- and early-19th-century garments from the premier collection of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Illustrated with

79

Warman's Costume Jewelry: Identification and Price Guide

Pamela Y. Wiggins

4.1
From disposable bauble to collectible art form!

Stylish and beautiful, vintage costume jewelry ignites the passions of collectors and fashionistas alike. Originally created as an inexpensive accessory to be worn and then discarded, costume jewelry is now considered an art form worth many times its original purchase price!

Warman's Costume Jewelry sparkles with wearable art creating during the past 1
80

Hollywood and History: Costume Design in Film

Edward Maeder, Alicia Annas, Satch Lavalley, Elois Jenssen, Earl A. Powell

4.1
Fashion: A History from the 18th to the 20th Century book cover81

Fashion: A History from the 18th to the 20th Century

TASCHEN

4.1
Dress codes: The ultimate compendium of clothing Clothes define people. A person s attire, whether it s a sari, kimono, or business suit, is an essential code to his or her culture, class, personality, even faith. Founded in 1978, theKyoto Costume Instituterecognizes the importance of understanding clothes from sociological, historical, and artistic perspectives. Withone of the world s most extens
82

Dressing a Galaxy: The Costumes of Star Wars

Trisha Biggar

4.1
The full visual panoply of Star Wars regalia is on display - everything from military gear to royal robes to Jedi and Sith costumes are shown from pre-production sketches to artist's renderings to the final filmed version. Actors, including Natalie Portman and Samuel L. Jackson, provide commentary on their experiences during filming, while stunning photographs present the costumes in intimate deta
Slow Stitch: Mindful and Contemplative Textile Art book cover83

Slow Stitch: Mindful and Contemplative Textile Art

Claire Wellesley-Smith

4.1
Sometimes less is more—and quality is more important than quantity. That's true in textile art too, and this much-needed guide brings a meaningful, thoughtful, and sustainable approach to stitchery. See how to slow down and experience more joy in your craft by trying simple techniques based on traditional practice, reusing and reinventing materials, and limiting equipment. Richly illustrated throu
84

Fabric for Fashion: The Swatch Book, Second Edition (An invaluable resource containing 125 fabric swatches)

Clive Hallett

4.1
The perfect resource for fashion students and designers

"The perfect handbook for fashion students everywhere, Fabric for Fashion: The Swatch Book 2e, presents over 120 swatches of fabrics so that one can not only appreciate their aesthetic appeal, but also familiarise themselves with each one's structure, feel and weight. The book also details information on fibers, basic construction of fabrics,
Milady Standard Nail Technology book cover85

Milady Standard Nail Technology

Milady

4.1
Milady Standard Nail Technology, 7th Edition is packed with new and updated information on several important topics including infection control, manicuring, pedicuring, chemistry, UV gels, and the salon business. Brand new procedural photography enhances step-by-step instructions. Also included, is a new "Why Study?" section at the beginning of each chapter, outlining the importance of understandi
86

Cotton and Thrift: Feed Sacks and the Fabric of American Households

Marian Ann Montgomery

4.1
87

Costume Design 101 - 2nd edition: The Business and Art of Creating Costumes For Film and Television

Richard LaMotte

4.1
Written by an industry venteran with 40 years of experience, this book is the new edition of Costume Design
88

Stitched Shibori: Technique, innovation, pattern, design

Jane Callender

4.1
Written by expert shibori teacher Jane Callender, this beautiful, practical book is packed with both traditional and inventive stitch-resist techniques, a complete dyeing guide and an inspirational gallery of Jane's work.

This book contains all the information a beginner will need to get started - including tips on dyeing in small spaces and a guide to all the health and safety considerations - but
89

Foamsmith: How to Create Foam Armor Costumes

Bill Doran

4.1
Foamsmith: How to Create Foam Armor Costumes helps you create stunning, comfortable pieces of costume armor as painlessly and cheaply as possible. Learn everything you need to fabricate, paint, and wear your stunning foam armor creations. You'll be introduced to basic tools to work with EVA foam floormats. Then, you'll learn how to make armor templates and combine the foam pieces together. Go over
90

The Cut of Men's Clothes: 1600-1900

Norah Waugh

4.0
This book traces the evolution of the style of men's dress through a sequence of diagrams accurately scaled down from patterns of actual garments, many of them rare museum specimens. The plates have been selected with the same purpose. Some are photographs of suits for which diagrams have also been given; others, reproduced from paintings and old prints, show the costume complete with its accessor
91

The Modern Tailor Outfitter and Clothier Volume II

A. S. Bridglan

4.0
These deal with every aspect of the tailoring and clothing trade. Extremely well illustrated with photographs and many helpful diagrams and detailed instructions for the design and construction of various garments. The contents of Volume 1 include: Tailoring as a Vocation - Gentlemen's Garment Cutting - Trouser Cutting - Vest Cutting - Measures and Measuring - Coat Cutting - Over Garments - Cuttin
Middle-earth from Script to Screen: Building the World of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit – An Epic Behind-the-Scenes Exploration of Tolkien's Fantasy Brought to Film book cover92

Middle-earth from Script to Screen: Building the World of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit – An Epic Behind-the-Scenes Exploration of Tolkien's Fantasy Brought to Film

Daniel Falconer, K. M. Rice

4.0

The epic, in-depth story of the creation of one of the most famous fantasy worlds ever imagined, a richly illustrated compendium that reveals the breathtaking craftsmanship, artistry, and technology behind the magical Middle-earth of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Motion Picture Trilogies, directed by Peter Jackson.Middle-earth: From Script to Screen tells the complete story of how J.R.R. To

93

The Basics of Corset Building: A Handbook for Beginners

Linda Sparks

4.0
Think of a corset as a blank canvas.

Linda Sparks' The Basics of Corset Building: A Handbook for Beginners is a comprehensive guide to building your first corset, including:

Section One: Tools and Materials for Corset Building
Discusses the tools you'll need, plus types of steel, plastic, and textiles.

Section Two: Building a Corset
Everything you need to know about working with bones and busks, settin
94

The Art of Disney Costuming: Heroes, Villains, and Spaces Between

Jeff Kurtti

4.0
Celebrate the imagination, passion, and attention to detail invested in each Disney costume within this gorgeous coffee table book! The elegant and adventurous array of dresses, uniforms, and other attire is a feast for the eyes and a fascinating examination of pure craft and of the brilliant, creative minds behind it. The collection begins with a summation of the costumes created for Disney anima
95

Dangerous Liaisons: Fashion and Furniture in the Eighteenth Century

Harold Koda, Andrew Bolton, Mimi Hellman

4.0
During the reigns of Louis XV (1723-74) and Louis XVI (1774-92), fashion and furniture were not simply meant to be beautiful but were also intended to arouse, attract, and seduce. Published in response to the critically acclaimed and hugely popular exhibition held at the Metropolitan Museum in the fall of 2004, Dangerous Liaisons focuses on fashion and its interplay with the paintings, furniture,
96

FRUiTS

Shoichi Aoki

4.0
This is a collection of 45 Tokyo street fashion portraits from Japan's premier fanzine. Fruits was established in 1994, by photographer Shoich Aoki, initially as a project to document the growing explosion in street fashion within the suburbs of Tokyo. The magazine has since grown to cult status and is now avidly followed by thousands of Japanese teenagers who also use the magazine as an opportuni
97

From the Neck Up: An Illustrated Guide to Hatmaking

Denise Dreher

4.0
98

Queen Elizabeth's Wardrobe Unlock'd

Janet Arnold

4.0
The vast wardrobe of Queen Elizabeth I is legendary: in her own time some of the richly embroidered gowns were displayed with other treasures to dazzle the eyes of foreign visitors to the Tower of London. The quantity of clothes recorded in the inventories taken in 1600 would seem to suggest sheer vanity, but a survey of work carried out in the Wardrobe of Robes throughout the reign reveals a diff
99

Historical Encyclopedia of Costumes

Albert Racinet

4.0
100

The Queen's Servants: Gentlewomen's Dress at the Accession of Henry VIII

Caroline Johnson

4.0
The Queen’s Servants paints a vivid picture of the styles of dress worn at Henry VII’s and Henry VIII’s courts, using evidence from royal warrants and account books in The National Archive. Purchases by the Great Wardrobe for the ladies of gentle birth who attended the queens and their children are clues to the appropriate appearance of a woman in close contact with the royal family.

Based on Carol