Art, history, fashion and culture all rolled up into one book? Put that on my Christmas list because that sounds like an absolutely fantastic read. With a far-reaching title like Fashion: The Definitive History of Costume and Style, my expectations are extremely high and I can only hope the book delivers. Apparently, though, the book mostly only covers western fashion, which is a bit of a disappointment, but it still sounds like a great read for anyone into culture or history.
It’s always fun to find a book that is one-stop holiday shopping for both newcomer and expert, especially when the book is full of history and photographs.
Susan Brown, a consultant with the Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, edited the coffee-table book “Fashion: The Definitive History of Costume and Style.” For anyone with a casual interest in clothing, a browse through its 480 pages will give a lesson how fashion affected human history.
For experts, it can be used as a reference book. For example, do you remember who Biba was? “Less a label, more a way of life, the influential Biba brand of the 1960s and ‘70s blazed a trail for young, hip fashion and the affordable boutique.” Read More
