Every fashion book we open always has a historical context, political, social, or economic. For those who regularly read fashion books, you can confirm this fact. Each one of us is fascinated, in one way or another, by the Fashion phenomenon. Before that, there were only ways of dressing that differed according to social class and country. Until CFW started putting its name on the labels of its pieces, as if it were a work of art, and that’s how fashion brands were born. To talk about Fashion, and all that it encompasses, it is essential that we first have its history in mind. So, to start this ‘Book of the Month’ rubric, I will mention some good fashion history books.
My first Fashion Book
Until starting this project, I was aware that “Fashion: The Century of Designers” (2001) by Charlotte Seeling, however when I went to see it, for a few (few) months apart, after all, my first fashion book was “A History of Fashion in the 20th Century” (2000) by Gertrud Lehnert. However, I have more in my memory to buy Seeling’s book. I have this information, as I have always been putting my name and the date, I acquired them on my books. We ended up having two books here, somewhat similar but still different, in authors and perspectives.
A History of Fashion in the 20th Century (2000) by Gertrud Lehnert [portuguese version]
To start, “A History of Fashion in the 20th Century” has 119 pages, thin, soft-covered and easy to carry; In contrast with “Fashion: The Century of Designers” is dense and quite complex to carry on one arm, has a hardcover, and comprises 655 pages. Interestingly the original versions are German, respectively “Geschichte der Mode des 20. Jahrhunderts” and “Mode. Des Jahrhunderts der Designer 1900-1999”.
Fashion: The Century of Designers (2001) by Charlotte Seeling [portuguese version]
While “A History of Fashion” takes an approach in the synthesis of events over two decades of the 20th century and only highlights some of the most outstanding seamstresses and designers; “Fashion: The Century of Designers” deepens the information on events and introduces us to more designers and couturiers in more detail. The way the chapters are divided also stands out, for example: “A History of Fashion” calls the years 1900-1918 “The first steps of haute couture” while Seeling divides them into two decades “Down with the bodice” and ” The liberated body”, and so on until the end of the 20th century. These books are in Portuguese, I bought them in a bookstore in 2007, which no longer exists. However, you can find them here & here in English and here & here in Portuguese. Inside view of “A History of Fashion in the 20th Century” book
The Costume History Book from TASCHEN
Abstract
Initially 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 utterly unique in its scope and detail. Taschen’s complete reprint presents Racinet’s exquisitely precise and coloured illustrations, as well as his delightful descriptions and often witty comments. As expansive in its reach as it is passionate in its research and attention to detail, The Complete Costume History is an invaluable reference for students, designers, artists, illustrators, and historians; and a rich source of inspiration for anyone with interest in clothing and style.
Inside view from The Costume History Book
As mentioned in the book summary above, it highlights the richness of each garment and customs that ancient peoples wore. By the good illustrations that the book has, it is possible to see details, colours, patterns, and accessories—from the peoples of Oceania, passing through the different peoples of Africa to Asia. The book has many more pictures than text, but as many say, a picture is often worth a thousand words. This book is worth buying or consulting, it’s relatively affordable, and you can find it here and here.
Costume & Fashion: A Complete History from GG
Still, on the History of Clothing, we have the book written by Cosgrave “The Complete History of Costume & Fashion: From Ancient Egypt to the Present Day” (2012), with just a few images, but extremely developed and contextualized at all times, it is ideal for those looking to know more in-depth about the history of fashion and clothing from the earliest times. From ancient Egypt ending with the 20th-century fashion history summary calling it “The Age of Diversity”. It can be found here and here.
Cover book of “The Complete History of Costume & Fashion: From Ancient Egypt to the Present Day”
The Definitive Fashion History
Fashion – The Definitive History of Costume and Style
Finally, last but not least, the book “Fashion – The Definitive History of Costume and Style” (2012), was written by several authors, several covers and editions of this 480-page hardcover book can be found. Divided by ten chapters, this Definitive Visual Guide of fashion history begins with the ancient world with prehistory and goes until 1980 onward, intitled “The Designer Decades”, which includes clothes of 2011. It is important to note that in this book you can find a well-illustrated glossary complete.
I dare say that this book is one of the most complete, not only for describing the events that influenced the clothing. When it starts to speak, there is a timeline of clothing details in each era that greatly helps readers locate a particular garment each season. The book has images of the most varied pieces of clothing that have ever existed, and in each one, you can find the names of the details that make up each piece, from the simplest to the most extravagant. Extremely complete, this book becomes a must for anyone who wants to study fashion.
Timeline example
Clothes details
The truth is, there are many more fashion history books than the ones described here. Do you know any fashion history books? Share this article and write other fashion history books you know in the comments.
