Dress in Detail From Around the World [Paperback]

Rosemary Crill (Author), Jennifer Wearden (Author), Verity Wilson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2004

Some 150 pieces, from the tropics to the Arctic circle, from the plains of India to the mountains of Montenegro, have been chosen to illustrate how different cultures create their regional and national costume. The garments range from the ceremonial to the everyday, and display a breathtaking richness of detail: rows of ornamental buttons, embroidered patterns, intricate pleating and stitching, flamboyant fringes and tassels that define and decorate at one and the same time. Featuring specially commissioned photographs and line drawings that demonstrate the underlying structure of each garment, the book is arranged thematically, drawing together examples of each type of detail and decoration from disparate cultures. Details of fastenings, necklines, cuffs, hemlines and fringes contribute to a wide-ranging survey which is both a visual feast of textures, patterns and craftsmanship, and a serious contribution to the interpretation of dress. The text is packed with information about the garments, the ways they were worn and how they were made. The result is a stunningly beautiful book that provides a unique glimpse into the V&A's world-famous dress collections, and opens our eyes to the variety and creativity of dress around the world.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Rosemary Crill is Curator of the Department of Asian Art at the V&A. Her publications include Indian Embroidery (V&A, 2000) and Indian Ikat Textiles (V&A, 1998). Jennifer Wearden is a Curator in the Department of Furniture, Textiles and Fashion at the V&A, and co-author with Clare Browne of Samplers (V&A, 1999) and with Marianne Ellis of Ottoman Embroidery (V&A, 2001). Verity Wilson is a Curator in the Department of Asian Art at the V&A. She is the author of Chinese Dress (V&A, 1986).

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Victoria & Albert Museum (November 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1851773789
• ISBN-13: 978-1851773787
• Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 8.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,181,741 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational for sewers and designers of Wearable Art!, September 29, 2005

By 

Beth M. Jacobson (Lincoln, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dress in Detail From Around the World (Paperback)

Dress in Detail from around the world is one of the most inspirational books I have purchased. It expands your paradigm for designing your own patterns using the line drawings of these costumes. The embellishments, closures and use of multiple fabric combos is endless. The designs are simple and yet elegant depending on your choice in fabric. I feel they are adaptable to many figure types. I loved the focus of detail on necklines and cuffs as well as closures!

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, April 5, 2005

By 

ReeQueen (Salt Lake City, UT United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Dress in Detail From Around the World (Paperback)

This is a lovely book, with wonderful photography showing many aspects of international clothing in clear, bright, detail. (Like the title says!) It is well-written, as well, and although I would've liked pattern diagrams to have been provided, the line drawings go far toward helping understand the construction of the included articles of costume.

The clarity of the photography makes it especially easy to see embellishment details such as embroidery, pleating, and fabrics, providing accurate information on various regional and historical items.

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exquisite!, September 1, 2003

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Dress in Detail From Around the World (Hardcover)

Sumptuous full-color, full-page photos of historic clothing details, supplemented by intriguing line drawings of the entire garments and succinct commentary. This book can serve as a source of inspiration for anyone seeking elegance, beauty, vitality, and imagination in design. Interestingly organized into sections such as Necklines; Fastenings; Linings and Pockets, though regardless of the section, it is a feast for the eye.