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This book 'Fashion', edited by the Kyoto Costume Institute has got to be the most extensive book I have ever looked through regarding fashion history.
The book is broken up into six main sections: the 18th and 19th Century, and 20th Century first and second half, and the foreword and appendices.
In the beginning of each section regarding each of the centuries there is a description explaining each of the different historic periods, and their cultural, political influences and also how different garments evolved.
I originally saw this book by chance at a local bookstore. I loved the images of all these different garments, the lovely details, being able to see actual garments of the time. It helped me understand a lot more about the different textiles available of the day and how politics and the social classes influenced what was worn.
At present I’m working on a costume for a child’s doll. I hope to dress her in a French costume around the 1970s. It has helped me immensely with providing accurate detailing.
I consider this book to be more of a reference book for illustrations for the garments rather than for it’s written text as it is image heavy. This was the fundamental reason why I bought it.
I highly recommend this book to anybody who has an interest in historical fashion, costume production, or if you are a student, collector, or artist.
