100 Best Fashion History Books of All Time

We've ranked the best fashion history 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

Queen of Fashion: What Marie Antoinette Wore to the Revolution

Caroline Weber

5.0
2

100 Years of Fashion

Cally Blackman

4.9
This book documents in pictures the most exciting and diverse period in fashion: from 1900 to today, covering high society, uniforms, sportswear, streetwear, and couture. It will appeal to everyone with an interest in fashion as well as students Over 400 photographs and illustrations, many published for the first time, tell the stylish story of a fashion revolution.
A Geek in Japan: Discovering the Land of Manga, Anime, Zen, and the Tea Ceremony book cover3

A Geek in Japan: Discovering the Land of Manga, Anime, Zen, and the Tea Ceremony

Hector Garcia

4.9
For every fan of manga, anime, J-pop, or Zen, A Geek in Japan is a hip, smart and concise guide to the land that is their source.

Comprehensive and well informed, it covers a wide array of topics in short articles accompanied by sidebars and numerous photographs, providing a lively digest of the society and culture of Japan. Designed to appeal to the generations of Westerners who grew up on Pokemon
4

Nineteenth-Century Fashion in Detail

Lucy Johnston

4.8
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.
5

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

Akiko Fukai

4.8
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
6

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

Janet Arnold

4.8
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.
Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty book cover7

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
Face Paint: The Story of Makeup book cover8

Face Paint: The Story of Makeup

Lisa Eldridge

4.8
(Librarian's note: The EPUB edition [585 pages] to this ISBN is provided here)
(Librarian's note: The PDF edition [464 pages] to this ISBN is provided here)

Makeup, as we know it, has only been commercially available in the last 100 years, but applying decoration to the face and body may be one of the oldest global social practices. In Face Paint, Lisa Eldridge reveals the entire history of the
9

How to Read a Dress. A Guide to Changing Fashion from the 16th to the 20th Century

Lydia Edward

4.7
Fashion is ever-changing and while some styles mark a dramatic departure from the past, many exhibit subtle differences from year to year that are not always easy to identify. With overviews of each key period and detailed illustrations for each new style, How to Read a Dress is an authoritative visual guide to women's fashion across five centuries.

Each entry includes annotated colour images of h
10

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.
11

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

Avril Hart, Susan North, Richard Davis

4.7
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
The Costume History book cover12

The Costume History

Auguste Racinet

4.6
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
13

Fashioning Fashion: European Dress in Detail, 1700–1915

Sharon Sadako Takeda

4.6
"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
Dapper Dan: Made in Harlem book cover14

Dapper Dan: Made in Harlem

Daniel R. Day

4.6
The story of a legendary designer who pioneered high-end streetwear, from a storefront in Harlem to the red carpet in Hollywood, dressing everyone from Salt-N-Pepa and Eric B. & Rakim to Beyoncé and Jay-Z along the way.

With his now-legendary store on 125th Street in Harlem, Dapper Dan pioneered high-end streetwear in the early 1980s, remixing classic luxury-brand logos into his own flamboyant desi
15

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

4.5
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
16

Fashion: The Definitive History of Costume and Style

DK Publishing

4.5
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
17

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

Janet Arnold

4.5
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.
18

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

Linda Baumgarten, John Watson, Florine Carr

4.5
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.
Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones book cover19

Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones

Dolly Parton

4.5
Chanel: Collections and Creations book cover20

Chanel: Collections and Creations

Daniele Bott

4.5
Chanel's combination of tradition, originality, and style has always made it the most seductive of fashion labels. Here the House of Chanel opens its private archives, revealing a galaxy of brilliant designs created by Coco Chanel from 1920 onwards. Dazzling clothes, intricate accessories, beautiful models, and timeless design leave no doubt as to the lasting fame of her name and embody everything
21

Fashion Victims: The Dangers of Dress Past and Present

Alison Matthews David

4.5
From insidious murder weapons to blaze-igniting crinolines, clothing has been the cause of death, disease and madness throughout history, by accident and design. Clothing is designed to protect, shield and comfort us, yet lurking amongst seemingly innocuous garments we find hats laced with mercury, frocks laden with arsenic and literally 'drop-dead gorgeous' gowns.

Fabulously gory and gruesome, Fas
A Man His Watch: Iconic Watches and Stories from the Men Who Wore Them book cover22

A Man His Watch: Iconic Watches and Stories from the Men Who Wore Them

Matt Hranek

4.5
“I’ve paged through stacks of books on the history of watches. . . . But I hadn’t come across a book that actually moved me until I picked up A Man and His Watch. The volume is filled with heartfelt stories.”
—T: The New York Times Style Magazine

Paul Newman wore his Rolex Daytona every single day for 35 years until his death in 2008. The iconic timepiece, probably the single most sought-after wa
Supreme Models: Iconic Black Women Who Revolutionized Fashion book cover23

Supreme Models: Iconic Black Women Who Revolutionized Fashion

Marcellas Reynolds

4.5
The first-ever book celebrating black models, filled with revealing essays, interviews, and stunning photographs

To date, there has never been a book devoted exclusively to black models. Supreme Models fills that void, paying tribute to black models past and present: from the first to be featured in catalogs and on magazine covers, like Iman, Beverly Johnson, and Donyale Luna, to the supermodels
In Vogue: An Illustrated History of the World's Most Famous Fashion Magazine book cover24

In Vogue: An Illustrated History of the World's Most Famous Fashion Magazine

Alberto Oliva

4.4
In Vogue is a fascinating look at the history of the world's most influential magazine. The complete compendium is illustrated with hundreds of covers and archival interiors of past Vogue editions, featuring the work of some of the twentieth century's most respected artists, cover illustrators, and photographers—from Edward Steichen, Toni Frissell, and Erwin Blumenfeld to Irving Penn, Richard Aved
Tom Ford book cover25

Tom Ford

Tom Ford

4.4
Tom Ford has become one of fashion's great icons. He transformed Gucci from a moribund accessories label into one of the sexiest fashion brands in the world. His designs have increased sales at Gucci tenfold and have helped build the Gucci brand into the luxury goods conglomerate that it is today. Ford brought a hard-edged style synonymous with 21st century glamour to his clothes, and Hollywood sa
The Look book cover26

The Look

Michelle Obama, Meredith Koop

4.4

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • WINNER OF THE NAACP IMAGE AWARD • Beautifully illustrated with more than 200 photographs, including never-before-seen images, The Look is a stunning journey through Michelle Obama’s style evolution, in her own words for the first time. In this celebration of style, from the moment she entered the public eye during her husband’s U.S. Senate campaign through her time a

Little Book of Louis Vuitton: The Story of the Iconic Fashion House (Little Books of Fashion) book cover27

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

Karen Homer

4.4

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

28

Corsets and Crinolines

Norah Waugh

4.4
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
29

The Dictionary of Fashion History

Valerie Cumming, C. W. Cunnington, et al.

4.4
- What is an Apollo knot?
- Who wore a Welch wig?
- When were Zouave jackets the height of fashion?

This new edition of The Dictionary of Fashion History further updates the landmark work of C. Willett Cunnington, Phillis Cunnington and Charles Beard. Featuring over 60 new and revised entries on diverse topics such as the Onesie, Brothel Creepers and the Birkin Bag, this edition is even more comprehe
Fashion: A History from the 18th to the 20th Century book cover30

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

TASCHEN

4.4
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
31

100 Dresses: The Costume Institute / The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Harold Koda

4.3
An irresistible look into more than 300 years of fashion through an exquisite collection of designer dresses

What woman can resist imagining herself in a beautiful designer dress? Here, for the first time ever, are 100 fabulous gowns from the permanent collection of the renowned Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, each of which is a reminder of the ways fashion reflects the broade
Fashionpedia - The Visual Dictionary Of Fashion Design book cover32

Fashionpedia - The Visual Dictionary Of Fashion Design

Fashionary

4.3
33

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

Linda Baumgarten

4.3

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

34

Underwear: Fashion in Detail

Eleri Lynn

4.3
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
35

In Fine Style: The Art of Tudor and Stuart Fashion

Anna Reynolds

4.3
From an iconic portrait of a young Elizabeth I to the many paintings of Charles I by Flemish master Anthony Van Dyck and the glamorous “Windsor Beauties” of the court of Charles II, sixteenth- and seventeenth-century portraiture has long been a source of great interest to costume historians. Given the scarcity of surviving garments, it also tells us most of what we know about Tudor and Stuart dres
36

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
37

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

Lauren Stowell

4.3
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
38

Madeleine Vionnet

Betty Kirke, Issey Miyake

4.3
Back in print at last, with a ravishing new cover, Madeleine Vionnet is "not only the best book on Vionnet, but perhaps the best book ever on a fashion designer" (Out). Madeleine Vionnet (18761975) was the greatest dressmaker in the world. Considered a genius for her innovations with the bias cutthe most difficult and desirable cut in clothing designshe has a fanatical following. Vionnet was a mav
Louis Vuitton: The Birth of Modern Luxury Updated Edition: The Birth of Modern Luxury Updated Edition book cover39

Louis Vuitton: The Birth of Modern Luxury Updated Edition: The Birth of Modern Luxury Updated Edition

Louis Vuitton

4.3
When Louis Vuitton: The Birth of Modern Luxury was published in 2004, the book was the first to describe the dramatic rise of the world’s finest luxury company. Written with full access to the company’s archives, it demonstrates Louis Vuitton’s passion for fine design with a stunning array of archival art, product designs, and cutting-edge advertising. The company is examined through the lives of
40

Time Travel History - Fashion Dreams 1800 - 2030: Creative Fun-Schooling Curriculum - Homeschooling Ages 9 to 17

Anna Miriam Brown and Sarah Janisse Brown

4.3
FIVE STAR SALE! Normal Price $32.50! Time Travel History - Fashion Dreams 1800-2030: Creative Fun-Schooling Curriculum - Homeschooling Ages 9 to 17 (Fun-Schooling History) (Volume 1) B1, B2, C1 & C2, ideal for ages 9-17, (2nd-12th grade)- adults love this book too!

This is the perfect book for creative students who love fashion and history. Learn about 22 historic events while covering History, Geo
The Art of Bob Mackie book cover41

The Art of Bob Mackie

Frank Vlastnik, Laura Ross

4.3

The first-ever, comprehensive and authorized showcase of legendary fashion designer Bob Mackie’s fabulous life and work, featuring hundreds of photos and dozens of never-before-seen sketches from his personal collection.Cher, Taylor Swift, Carol Burnett, Bette Midler, P!nk, Tina Turner, Elton John, Liza Minnelli, Zendaya, Angela Lansbury, Diana Ross, Beyoncé, RuPaul, and Madonna...what do they all

42

The Golden Age of Couture: Paris and London 1947-1957

Claire Wilcox

4.3

The Ambassador has been described as “probably the most daring and enterprising trade magazine ever conceived.” With the motto “Export or Die!,” the magazine was renowned for its innovative design and adventurous editorial approach in promoting British manufacturing in the post-WWII period. This book takes a detailed look at the background and impact of The Ambassador. Driven by the vision of foun

43

The Corset: A Cultural History

Valerie Steele

4.3
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
Little Book of Dior (Little Books of Fashion) book cover44

Little Book of Dior (Little Books of Fashion)

Karen Homer

4.3

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

Little Guides to Style: The Story of Four Iconic Fashion Houses (Little Books of Fashion, 17) book cover45

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

Empire of Cotton: A Global History book cover46

Empire of Cotton: A Global History

Sven Beckert

4.3
The epic story of the rise and fall of the empire of cotton, its centrality to the world economy, and its making and remaking of global capitalism.

Cotton is so ubiquitous as to be almost invisible, yet understanding its history is key to understanding the origins of modern capitalism. Sven Beckert’s rich, fascinating book tells the story of how, in a remarkably brief period, European entrepreneurs
47

The History of Underclothes

C. Willett Cunnington, PhiIlis Cunnington

4.3
". . . thoroughness and most impressive scholarship . . . much entertaining detail and . . . pleasant humour." — The Times Literary Supplement (London)
Underwear — practical garments with a utilitarian function or body coverings that serve an erotic purpose? As this fascinating and intelligently written study shows, the role played by underclothing over the last several centuries has been a varied
48

Russian Elegance: Country and City Fashion from the 15th to the Early 20th Century

L V Yefimova, T S Aleshina

4.3
This beautifully illustrated book shows examples of Russian dress and accessories from the 15th to the early 20th century. Derived from the collection of the State Historical Museum and covering both dress worn in the countryside and in the city, this book is a fabulous feast of splendid patterns and fine detail. From exuberantly colorful and embellished dresses to elegantly sumptuous brocades and
49

Coco Chanel: The Illustrated World of a Fashion Icon

Megan Hess

4.2
"In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different" - Coco Chanel

Fashion is ever-changing, influenced by the key designers that capture a moment in history; and Coco Chanel is arguably the most significant influence on women's fashion in the twentieth century. Coco Chanel: The Illustrated World of a Fashion Icon is a compilation of Megan Hess' stunning illustrations of the 100 most quinte
Bill Cunningham: On the Street: Five Decades of Iconic Photography book cover50

Bill Cunningham: On the Street: Five Decades of Iconic Photography

New York Times

4.2
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - The first published collection of photographs by the icon of street style, bringing together favorites published in The New York Times alongside never-before-seen work across five decades.

"A dazzling kaleidoscope from the gaze of an artist who saw beauty at every turn."--Andr� Leon Talley

Bill Cunningham's photography captured the evolution of style, of trends, and of t
51

The Biba Years: 1963-1975

Barbara Hulanicki, Martin Pel

4.2
A revealing look at the fashion revolution of the 1960s and ’70s through the groundbreaking, hip, and now-legendary London emporium Biba, this book looks at “the most beautiful store in the world.” Biba, founded in 1963 by designer Barbara Hulanicki, quickly gained cult status and outgrew several locations before the five-story “Big Biba” opened in 1973. More than a store, it was a haven of cool f
52

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

Elisabeth Crowfoot, Frances Pritchard, Kay Staniland

4.2
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
53

100 Years of Fashion Illustration

Cally Blackman

4.2
A visual feast of 400 dazzling images, this is a comprehensive survey of the genre over the last century. The book also offers an overview of the development of fashion, as seen through the eyes of the greatest illustrators of the day. Early in the century fashion illustration reflected new, liberating currents in art and culture, such as the exoticism of the Ballets Russes, while the postwar peri
54

Vogue: The Covers (updated edition)

Dodie Kazanjian

4.2
In this stunning updated edition of the successful Vogue: The Covers, Vogue continues to pay tribute to its tradition of beauty and excellence with a compilation of even more spectacular cover art. In addition to featuring classic covers from the magazine’s 125-year history, this updated edition features every cover since 2010, with each cover displaying the magazine’s cutting-edge takes on style,
The Golden Thread: How Fabric Changed History book cover55

The Golden Thread: How Fabric Changed History

Kassia St. Clair

4.2

All textiles begin with a twist. From colourful 30,000-year old threads found on the floor of a Georgian cave to what the linen wrappings of Tutankhamun's mummy actually meant; from the Silk Roads to the woollen sails that helped the Vikings reach America 700 years before Columbus; from the lace ruffs that infuriated the puritans to the Indian calicoes and chintzes that powered the Industrial Revo

Making Faces book cover56

Making Faces

Kevyn Aucoin

4.2
America's preeminent makeup artist shares his secrets, explaining not only the basics of makeup application and technique but also how to use the fundamentals to create a wide range of different looks. 200 color photos & sketches.
57

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

Francois Boucher

4.2
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.
58

Costume in Detail: Women's Dress 1730-1930

Nancy Bradfield

4.2
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.
Women's Work: The First 20,000 Years: Women, Cloth, and Society in Early Times book cover59

Women's Work: The First 20,000 Years: Women, Cloth, and Society in Early Times

Elizabeth Wayland Barber

4.2
New discoveries about the textile arts reveal women's unexpectedly influential role in ancient societies.

Twenty thousand years ago, women were making and wearing the first clothing created from spun fibers. In fact, right up to the Industrial Revolution the fiber arts were an enormous economic force, belonging primarily to women.

Despite the great toil required in making cloth and clothing, most bo

60

Art of Dress

Jane Ashelford

4.2
The clothing worn in the past affords an invaluable insight into lifestyles that have disappeared forever. Choice of dress has always been affected by numerous influences-social and economic, artistic and technical-and, or course, the vagaries of individual taste.
The Little Book of Chanel book cover61

The Little Book of Chanel

Emma Baxter-Wright, Welbeck

4.2

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

Kwame Brathwaite: Black Is Beautiful book cover62

Kwame Brathwaite: Black Is Beautiful

Tanisha C. Ford

4.2
In the late 1950s and throughout the 1960s, Kwame Brathwaite used his photography to popularize the political slogan "Black Is Beautiful." This monograph--the first ever dedicated to Brathwaite's remarkable career--tells the story of a key, but under-recognized, figure of the second Harlem Renaissance.
Inspired by the writings of activist and black nationalist Marcus Garvey, Brathwaite, along with
63

The Watch Book Rolex: New, Extended Edition

Gisbert L. Brunner

4.2
� Updated content including the latest Rolex watches

� Extended edition of the best-selling reference work by wristwatch expert Gisbert L. Brunner
Little Book of Hermès: The story of the iconic fashion house (Little Books of Fashion) book cover64

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

Karen Homer

4.2

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

65

Les Petites Dames de Mode: An Adventure In Design

John R. Burbidge

4.2
Titled 'Les Petites Dames de Mode' (the little ladies of fashion), this collection of Victorian and Edwardian gowns worn by 29-inch mannequins has been displayed in prominent museums throughout the country and was the subject of a video produced in the 1990s. Not until now has the entire collection been presented in print.
66

The New Black Vanguard: Photography Between Art and Fashion

Antwaun Sargent

4.2
In The New Black Vanguard: Photography between Art and Fashion, curator and critic Antwaun Sargent addresses a radical transformation taking place in fashion and art today. The featuring of the Black figure and Black runway and cover models in the media and art has been one marker of increasingly inclusive fashion and art communities. More critically, however, the contemporary visual vocabulary ar
67

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
68

Streetwear

King Adz and Wilma Stone

4.2
The story begins in 1972 in Jersey City, the birthplace of Trash and Vaudeville, the first- ever streetwear shop; it then moves on to the start of punk, which was a decisive influence on what is considered “streetwear” today. From the dresser/casual movement born out of British soccer culture to the skater scene of California, from the paninari poseurs of Milan to the surfer dudes of Hawaii, the a
69

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
Ametora: How Japan Saved American Style book cover70

Ametora: How Japan Saved American Style

W. David Marx

4.1
Look closely at any typically “American” article of clothing these days, and you may be surprised to see a Japanese label inside. From high-end denim to oxford button-downs, Japanese designers have taken the classic American look—known as ametora, or “American traditional”—and turned it into a huge business for companies like Uniqlo, Kamakura Shirts, Evisu, and Kapital. This phenomenon is part of
Vanity Fair 100 Years: From the Jazz Age to Our Age book cover71

Vanity Fair 100 Years: From the Jazz Age to Our Age

Graydon Carter

4.1
Vanity Fair 100 Years showcases a century of personality and power, art and commerce, crisis and culture—both highbrow and low. From its inception in 1913, through the Jazz Age and the Depression, to its reincarnation in the boom-boom Reagan years, to the image-saturated Information Age, Vanity Fair has presented the modern era as it has unfolded, using wit, imagination, peerless literary narrativ
72

Fashion in the Time of Jane Austen

Sarah Jane Downing

4.1
The broader Regency period 1795-1820 stands alone as an incredible moment in fashion history unlike anything that went before or after. It was the most naked period since Ancient Greece and before the 1960s, and for the first time England became a fashion influence, especially for menswear, and became the toast of Paris. With the ancient regime deposed, court dress became secondary and the season
Slim Aarons: Women book cover73

Slim Aarons: Women

Slim Aarons

4.1
Slim Aarons: Women explores the central subject of Slim Aarons’s career—the extraordinary women from the upper echelons of high society, the arts, fashion, and Hollywood. The book presents the women who most influenced Aarons’s life and work—and the other remarkable personalities he photographed along the way, including Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy, Diana Vreeland, and Marilyn Monroe, all featur
74

J.C. Leyendecker

Laurence Cutler

4.1
One of the most prolific and successful artists of the Golden Age of American Illustration, J. C. Leyendecker captivated audiences throughout the first half of the 20th century. Leyendecker is best known for his creation of the archetype of the fashionable American male with his advertisements for Arrow Collar. These images sold to an eager public the idea of a glamorous lifestyle, the bedrock upo
75

Late Victorian and Edwardian Fashions Coloring Book

Tom Tierney

4.1
Tierney captures the extravagant fashions worn from the 1860s through 1910. Carefully researched, accurately rendered illustrations depict opera capes, frock coats, trousers, top hats, and knitted swimwear for men. The ladies' styles include narrow-skirted walking suits, bathing outfits that completely cover the figure, and billowing bloomers for bicycling. 29 black-and-white illustrations.
Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo book cover76

Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo

Hayden Herrera

4.1
"Through her art, Herrera writes, Kahlo made of herself both performer and icon. Through this long overdue biography, Kahlo has also, finally, been made fully human." — San Francisco Chronicle

Hailed by readers and critics across the country, this engrossing biography of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo reveals a woman of extreme magnetism and originality, an artist whose sensual vibrancy came straight
77

Queen Elizabeth's Wardrobe Unlock'd

Janet Arnold

4.1
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
Fashion, New Edition: The Definitive Visual Guide book cover78

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
Little Book of Tiffany & Co.: The story of the iconic jewellery brand (Little Books of Fashion) book cover79

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

Dressing the Man: Mastering the Art of Permanent Fashion book cover80

Dressing the Man: Mastering the Art of Permanent Fashion

Alan Flusser

4.1
Dressing the Man is the definitive guide to what men need to know in order to dress well and look stylish without becoming fashion victims.

Alan Flusser's name is synonymous with taste and style. With his new book, he combines his encyclopedic knowledge of men's clothes with his signature wit and elegance to address the fundamental paradox of modern men's fashion: Why, after men today have spent mo
81

Issues: A History of Photography in Fashion Magazines

Vince Aletti

4.1
The first book to showcase and critically explore the groundbreaking photography of fashion magazines over the last century

For nearly a century, fashion magazines have provided sophisticated platforms for cutting-edge photography – work that challenges conventions and often reaches far beyond fashion itself. In this book, acclaimed photography critic Vince Aletti has selected 100 significant magaz
82

High Style: Masterworks from the Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Jan Reeder

4.1
This lavishly illustrated volume is the first comprehensive publication on the Brooklyn Museum’s internationally renowned historic costume collection. The nearly 25,000-object collection comprises fashionable women’s and men’s garments and accessories from the 18th through the 20th century. It features sumptuous 19th-century gowns from the House of Worth, exquisite works by the great 20th-century
Christian Dior book cover83

Christian Dior

Ingrid Sischy

4.1
Dior is one of the most revered names in fashion, the archetype of the Parisian couture house. Famous for launching the “New Look,” Christian Dior’s landmark first collection that marked a sea change in women’s dress after the Second World War, Dior is known today for its exquisite couture line of dramatic dresses.

This book comprises a portfolio of portraits of over one hundred incredible gowns f
84

The Social Life of Kimono: Japanese Fashion Past and Present

Sheila Cliffe and Joanne B. Eicher

4.1
The kimono is an iconic garment with a history as rich and colourful as the textiles from which it is crafted. Deeply associated with Japanese culture both past and present, it has often been thought of as a highly gendered, rigidly traditional and unchanging national costume. This book challenges that perception, revealing the nuanced meanings and messages behind the kimono from the point of view
85

The Dress Detective: A Practical Guide to Object-Based Research in Fashion

Ingrid Mida, Alexandra Kim

4.1
The Dress Detective is the first practical guide to analysing fashion objects, clearly demonstrating how their close analysis can enhance and enrich interdisciplinary research. This accessible book provides readers with the tools to uncover the hidden stories in garments, setting out a carefully developed research methodology specific to dress, and providing easy to use checklists that guide the r
86

Hollywood and History: Costume Design in Film

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

4.1
87

Corsets and Codpieces: A History of Outrageous Fashion, from Roman Times to the Modern Era

Karen Bowman

4.0
Have you ever wondered why we wear the type of clothes we do? Packed with outlandish outfits, this exciting history of fashion trends reveals the flamboyant fashions adopted (and discarded) by our ancestors.
In the days before cosmetic surgery, people used bum rolls and bombastic breeches to augment their figures, painted their faces with poisonous concoctions, and doused themselves with scent to c
Little Book of Gucci: The Story of the Iconic Fashion House (Little Books of Fashion, 7) book cover88

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

Karen Homer

4.0

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

89

Couture Sewing Techniques

Claire B. Shaeffer

4.0
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
90

Forties Fashion: From Siren Suits to the New Look

Jonathan Walford

4.0
Here is a definitive look at fashion in the 1940s—from French style under the Occupation and the “make do and mend” approach to wartime clothing shortages through the development of faux fabrics, the rise of American fashion houses, and the New Look of the post- war period.



The illustrations reveal the wide range of fashions and styles from the 1940s in North America, Europe, Australasia, and Japan
91

Victorian and Edwardian Fashion: A Photographic Survey

Alison Gernsheim

4.0
A noted photohistorian documents bonnets, capes, frock coats, caps, shawls, bodices, and crinolines as people actually wore them from 1840 through 1914. More than 200 photos depict aristocrats and the middle class as well as Oscar Wilde, Lillie Langtry, Winston Churchill, Queen Victoria, and others. Commentary and annotations describe and identify the costumes.
Your Beauty Mark: The Ultimate Guide to Eccentric Glamour book cover92

Your Beauty Mark: The Ultimate Guide to Eccentric Glamour

Dita Von Teese

4.0
Dita Von Teese divulges the beauty secrets that have earned her a frequent spot on international best dressed lists and high-profile fashion show rosters. She takes the reader through every step of her signature looks - from her perfectly coiffed hair to her flawless skin and makeup - and turns to experts and friends for advice.
93

Chanel: The Vocabulary of Style

Jérôme Gautier

4.0
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
94

Dior: A New Look, A New Enterprise (1947-57)

Alexandra Palmer

4.0
In 1947 Christian Dior rocked the fashion world with his New Look, which dominated postwar fashion and firmly secured the name of his house in the minds of the public and the fashion industry. He drew on historical models of femininity, the unique skills of Parisian haute couture, and a myriad of suppliers to produce stunning designs that captured a mood of optimism after World War II. Dior also d
95

Fashion History, the Kyoto Costume Institute

Kyoto Costume Institute

4.0
96

Burlesque and the Art of the Teese / Fetish and the Art of the Teese

Dita Von Teese

4.0
On one side, Dita Von Teese shares the beauty of the burlesque world, with bubblegum dreams and show tunes to strip to. Flip over for fantasies in fetish with dramatic costumes and the allure of submission.



Burlesque and the Art of the Teese"I advocate glamour. Every day. Every minute."

I'm a good dancer and a nice girl, but I'm a great showgirl. I sell, in a word, magic. Burlesque is a world of il
Grace: A Memoir book cover97

Grace: A Memoir

Grace Coddington

4.0
Beautiful. Willful. Charming. Blunt. Grace Coddington’s extraordinary talent and fierce dedication to her work as creative director of Vogue have made her an international icon. Known through much of her career only to those behind the scenes, she might have remained fashion’s best-kept secret were it not for The September Issue, the acclaimed 2009 documentary that turned publicity-averse Grace in
Gucci: The Making of book cover98

Gucci: The Making of

Frida Giannini

4.0
An unprecedented publication showcasing Gucci as never before, including thought-provoking essays, commentaries, and authoritative anecdotes along with previously unpublished contemporary and archival photographs. Published in conjunction with the opening of the new Gucci Museum in Florence, Gucci is the ultimate celebration of the world-renowned fashion house. Told through a loose grouping of wor
99

Creative Haven The Saturday Evening Post Americana Coloring Book

Marty Noble

4.0
"This coloring book is a delight!" — Sharing Craft Ideas
Thirty-one ready-to-color cover illustrations by some of The Saturday Evening Post's most famous artists celebrate the nostalgic appeal of American life in the first half of the 20th century. Iconic images include adaptations of timeless works by John Falter, Stevan Dohanos, George Hughes, Richard "Dick" Sargent, and others. Specially designe
100

D.V.

Diana Vreeland

4.0
As fashion editor of Harper's Bazaar and editor-in-chief of Vogue, Diana Vreeland-and her passion, charm, insouciance, and genius for style--energized and inspired the fashion world for fifty years. In this glittering autobiography she takes us around the world with her, revealing her obsession with fashion high and low--pink plastic poodles, for example--and dropping timeless sayings like, "As yo