Customer Reviews

Fashion (Taschen 25th Anniversary)

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I bought what I think is a compiled version of these two books from a local bookstore. It is similar length and has the same title. I have long been searching for a good fashion history book and this one is fabulous. Nearly every page is a large photo of a real antique costume. There is a nice balance of close-up detail photos and full photos, as well as undergarments and accessories. You can really watch the progression of fashion through nearly 300 years. I also like the amount of text that is written; just enough to explain the style progression and the political environment of the time. A picture is worth a thousand words and trying to explain a garment in text is pointless when you can just look at the picture. The only thing I wish was different is that the modern section (from about the 70's on)features primarily avant garde experimental clothing, not the stuff we actually see on red carpets and runways.

I am in the process of building my own Fashion Design Library with books that covers differents aspects of this fascinating world (drawing, patternmaking, draping, sociological, business and so forth) including Fashion History. I knew about fashion books published by Taschen during a Fashion Design Course I took last Summer in Italy. Previously I got Fashion Now (Icons) from Taschen and this one has an even better price-quality relationship: fancy presentation, high quality of the pictures and brief explanations about each century covered by the 2 volumes and most of the pieces presented. You can really spend hours!!! enjoying all the finishing details of the clothes.

I'm always a fan of Taschen's photography books. They've outdone themselves with Fashion. This brilliant two volume edition covers the history of fashion from the 18th century to the present. Generous in detail, length, and quality, this is a fashion-lover's dream. I am less of a fashionista and more someone interested in how people dressed and lived throughout history. This book intrigued my fashion-loving sister and my history-loving self. Perfect on the coffee table or bookshelf, Fashion would make a great gift. Well worth the price.

Everything is perfect in these two volumes. Was terribly upest when the first issue (single volume) was discontinued, but this one tops it. Clear photos, specific research and exceptionally well laid out. My students beg to look at it, and THE PRICE! Incredibly inexpensive for a book of this sort.

Makes a great gift- and can substitute for barbells when needed.

This set of books is absolutely stunning. I paid NZ$150 (around US$90)at a bookstore here in New Zealand and volume 1 alone is worth every penny of the sale price.
If you're interested in historical costume, you won't regret this purchase.

This book reduced me to gasping and drooling. ANYONE who is a fan of historical fashion NEEDS this book.

I could go and on, but I'd never stop.

This is a mouth watering, brilliantly photographed collection for any fashion/ historical costume addicts. Amazingly priced for what you get.