Product Details
Fashion (Taschen 25th Anniversary)

Fashion (Taschen 25th Anniversary)
From Taschen

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Product Description

A fashion history from the 18th to the 20th century 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 curated many exhibitions worldwide. With an emphasis on Western women's clothing, the KCI has amassed a wide range of historical garments, underwear, shoes, and fashion accessories dating from the 18th century to the present day. Showcasing a vast selection from the Institute's archives of skilled photographs depicting the clothing expertly displayed and arranged on custom-made mannequins, Fashion History is a fascinating excursion through the last three centuries of clothing trends. The KCI believes that "clothing is an essential manifestation of our very being" and their passion and dedication positively radiate from every page of this book. This special 25th anniversary edition has a chic new format: two volumes packaged in a slipcase.

Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #11739 in Books
  • Published on: 2007-08-30
  • Original language: English
  • Number of items: 1
  • Binding: Hardcover
  • 720 pages

Editorial Reviews

About the Author
Akiko Fukai (Chief Curator of The Kyoto Costume Institute), Tamami Suoh (Curator of The Kyoto Costume Institute), Miki Iwagami (Lecturer of fashion history at Sugino Fashion College (Tokyo)), Reiko Koga (Professor of fashion history at Bunka Women's University), and Rie Nii (Assistant Curator of The Kyoto Costume Institute).

Customer Reviews

Best Illustrated Historical Fashion Volumes Available!5
This is the most beautifully illustrated book available on the history of fashion. I have looked at many, but none are so thorough and definitive for the 18th to the 20th centuries. The publisher lists the book at $49.99 (unbelievable for what you get!). It has been reprinted several times since I first became aware of it. Each time I have missed my chance to get a copy -- It seems to sell out quite regularly. After almost losing hope, I was finally able to get a copy of this latest edition!
The current edition is a set which consists of two large volumes. The first covers the 18th and 19th centuries, and the second is devoted to the 20th century. These two tomes are in a sturdy outer case. The illustrations are clear and detailed, making it easy to examine the construction used for the garments, and also are displayed so that one can see the overall beauty of the craftsmanship. They are truly works of art! Text is at a minimum; the books consist first and foremost of these beautiful illustrations.

Beautiful Books, Wonderful Pictures, Great Information5
I work in a library where volume 1 of this book had been requested numerous times, so I got to see it close-up several times before eventually deciding that I needed to own it. When I ordered it, it wasn't yet clear in the listing that it was 2 volumes, and I thought that I was getting volume 1 only--in paperback--and I still thought the price was great considering how many wonderful photographs the book contains. Imagine my surprise when I got two hefty hardback tomes!

I ordered these books to assist in writing historical novels, wanting to inject a bit of verisimilitude in regards to the clothing involved, and it's been a great resource. The brief essays at the beginning of each book are rich with detail about things like what corsets and dresses were called, how the clothes were worn, changing fashion trends, etc.

I liked this so well that I've given copies to several friends.

Get yours now-yum yum yum.5
These two hc volumes are a dream!!! I found my set in Paris and dragged them around all day because I have never seen so many pounds of color photos of real archival costumes- I paid 39.00 euros- about 50 bucks- and even then it was a steal! You will love these books.