Key Moments in Fashion. The Evolution of Style. From Haute Couture to Streetwear. Key Collections. Major Figures and Crucial Moments That Changed the Course of Fashion History From 1890 to the 1990s

All in color! Become fashion forward by flashing back to the major figures, crucial moments, and items of clothing that not only influenced the way we dressed, but helped define the mood of the times and changed the course of style forever. Marvel over dozens of stunning garments on page after page of superb photographs and drawings as you go beyond the glossy faade of the industry to uncover what it is about this distinguished list that has shaped attitudes and fashion through the 20th century. The house of Worth, the fathers of couture; Vogue

magazine; Chanel and sunbathing; women in trousers; photographer Man Ray; Dior's "New Look"; Mary Quant and the miniskirt; Studio 54 and club chic; the trainer as fashion footwear--all have made a mark on the way we dress today. Trim size: 9 3/4 x 11 1/4.

As ephemeral as yesterday, fashion gains its own fame here through the creative and diligent efforts of five well-trained journalists-cum-production-artists. British in tone, nonetheless, this historical volume achieves an international flavor because of its look at all apparel customs from the 1890s onward. It begins with the House of Worth, setting the stage for raised hemlines and dropped waists as well as a sense of the female body. It ends with a discussion of the impact athletic footwear companies, such as Nike, Puma, and Addidas, make not only on fashion but also on health trends. In between are wonderful keepsake photographs, illustrations, a broad sense of humor (who else would choose to picture Vivienne Westwood's earliest customers?), and text that seduces any reader to believe fashion transcends mere fabric and stitches. A great overview for the curious and the committed. Barbara Jacobs

Citing the rise of couture houses such as Worth and Dior as well as the development of trade journals like Vogue, the authors of this British publication aim to show how these and other global events influenced the fashion world during the last century. A diverse collection of journalists and fashion industry insiders, Crawford and his fellow writers illustrate influences as varied as the World Wars, motion pictures, pop icons (think Marlon Brando and the biker image, Marlene Dietrich and man-tailored trousers, Madonna, and Princess Di), the hippie movement, the disco scene, and punk culture. Chapters with provocative titles such as "The Birth of the Bra" prove that, yes, even undergarments have all contributed to an industry that consumers eagerly embrace. The text of this book is quite readable, the photographs--all in color and accompanied by informative captioning--are great, and the price is affordable. The only drawback is the lack of an index, but most patrons probably won't mind. Recommended for general collections.
-Margarete Gross, Chicago P.L.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.