Dress in Detail From Around the World (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Jennifer Wearden (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

An illustrated journey through the intricate details of ethnic dress, this sumptuous volume showcases an extraordinary range of traditional clothing from Central Europe, India, and the Far East. Ornate buttons, embroidered borders, architectural pleating, gold-threaded tassels: 150 color photographs, many specially commissioned, spotlight an astounding array of ornamentation, and these breathtaking close-ups are coupled with accurate line drawings of each garment's underlying structure.

Arranged thematically, the chapters bring together different examples of each type of decoration from disparate cultures, and the text includes information about the ceremonial roles of much of the clothing. The latest addition to the esteemed Victoria and Albert Fashion in Detail series, this unique visual resource can be used for practical purposes by designers, students, and other style-o-philes.

About the Author

Rosemary Crill is a Curator in the Department of Asian Art at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Her publications on Indian textiles include Indian Embroidery (V&A Publications, 2000) and Indian Ikat Textiles (V&A Publications, 1998). Jennifer Wearden is a Curator in the Department of Furniture, Textiles and Dress at the Victoria and Albert Museum, and co-author with Clare Browne of Samplers (V&A Publications, 1999) and with Marianne Ellis of Ottoman Embroidery (V&A Publications, 2001). Verity Wilson is a Curator in the Department of Asian Art at the Victoria and Albert Museum. She is the author of Chinese Dress (V&A Publications, 1986). --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Victoria & Albert Museum (October 8, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810965550
• ISBN-13: 978-0810965553
• Product Dimensions: 12.2 x 9.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,781,388 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 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

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.

22 of 22 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!

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

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

By A Customer

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.