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.
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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).
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
48 of 48 people found the following review helpful
By Anna
Format:Hardcover
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.
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.
41 of 42 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
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.
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.
28 of 28 people found the following review helpful
By kooky Kid
Format:Hardcover
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.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fashion is a beautifully illustrated book.
Fashion was bought by me to give as a Christmas gift. The receiver was delighted with the quality of the illustrations and is happy to have it in her collection of books.
Published 1 month ago by Betty M. Carpenter
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful
This is an incredible book. I am a textile artist and would recommend this book (both volumes) to anyone who is interested in fashion, textiles, and the history behind each... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Geri McBeth
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing books - well worth having
This is an amazing set of books. First of all they are big and heavy, not like other Taschen 25th anniversary book I have. Read more
Published 8 months ago by heatherj
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great photos, but disliked some of modern fashion
Keep in mind I'm not a fashion designer nor fashion history buff. I need the book for reference to work on my own artistic endeavors. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Starving Artist
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful!
This set is just perfect. So many wonderful pictures, colors, eras, details! I just got them today and went through them quickly. It will take hours to enjoy them properly.
Published 14 months ago by R. Squirrel
5.0 out of 5 stars
wonderful
This book is wonderful. I bought it because someone mentioned it in a good review for the book Seventeenth and Eighteenth-Century Fashion in Detail. Read more
Published 16 months ago by SOFIA
4.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful Book But Just A Key Point To Watch Out For!
As many have said, this is an absolutely GORGEOUS book. I have to also echo previous comments about how this book seems like an incredible deal for what you get. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Omicronmu
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant!!!!
In a world of electronic books, magazines and material, some printed work cannot be duplicated. This two volume set is one of them. Every page is a fashion lovers dream! Read more
Published 17 months ago by Deb
5.0 out of 5 stars
A feast for the eyes!
These books contain some of the most fantastic fashion photography I've ever seen. The dresses look so exquisite you almost want to eat them! Read more
Published 18 months ago by Alexandra-chan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fabulous and Numerous Colored Photos!
I have had this boxed set for several years. I have many other books concerning the history of fashion. Read more
Published 18 months ago by Happy Reader
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