We all tend to follow current trends of fashion in one way or the other. Apparently a luxurious thing but an inseparable part of our daily life. Depending on modes of means to social setups, in different epochs different trends of fashion were introduced and followed. Back then who would have thought of wearing baggy clothes and striped jeans. However, in present times, it is considered a cool and trendy way to dress up. As society keeps on changing, fashion styles too keep on shifting, constructing a history of its own.
No doubt, fashion modes represent society but it also speaks about a person’ personality and status. From a person’s choice of shoes to choice of hair style, especially the consistent patterns, tells a lot about the kind of personality that person possesses. Similarly, as we all know, how brand conscious we all are, we can easily guess the economic status of someone from the brand he/she is wearing.
Fashion History: The Evolution of Fashion Designing
Above all this, I believe fashion is an art. At a time you come across a number of trends, yet to choose the one that suits you or to match the apparel to accessories is a skill. Different types of literature have been written on shifting trends of fashion, which are nothing less than a treasure. If you are passionate about fashion like me then it’s my pleasure to share with you my favorite list of fashion history books. It includes books about the general history of fashion but some of them are specifically about the current trend in a certain constituent of our attire. Let’s read.
Best Fashion History Books
1.Fashion History from the 18th to the 20th Century by Taschen
February 19, 2020
Fashion symbolizes culture, personality, status, faith etc but how. Fashion Fashion History from the 18th to the 20th Century by Taschen discusses exactly the answer to this question. With illustrating examples, it not only informs you about the various styles but also explains how it was carried in different parts of the world. Packed with pictures of a large collection of historical garments, it is a treasure to have. I would recommend it to ladies more because there was very little information about men’s fashion history. There were only a few pictures. Other than that, it’s the best book to know fashion trends of the 18th to 20th century.
2.Diana Vreeland Memos: The Vogue Years by Diana Vreeland
October 15, 2013
Some introduce trends while some follow them. Diana Vreeland is an iconic figure of the fashion industry who brought revolutionary changes in the fashion styles of women. Diana Vreeland Memos: The Vogue Years includes is an emblem of her great efforts for Vogue magazine. With commentary from one of the editors of Vogue magazine, each chapter dive deep into different Vogue trends and how Diana contributed to it. It includes more than 250 letters to different designers and fashion experts. I regarded this the most important book because it outlays the efforts in setting fashions trends, especially of a woman.
Also read: Difference Between Fiction And Nonfiction
3.Fashion History: A Global View (Dress, Body, Culture) by Linda Welters
December 21, 2018
No other book can give a better understanding of fashion and its history than Fashion History: A Global View (Dress, Body, Culture) by Linda Welters. Adopting a new perspective, it takes you to different geographical places and cultures and explains how fashion originated there. Besides, it explains the contexts of new setting trends. How it starts, how it was received and what it does. From production to consumption, it explores the whole system of the fashion industry. Its cross cultural analysis of fashion makes it a better experience. If you want to have more informed views about fashion, you better read this one.
4. Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity by Monica L. Miller
The black dandy is a pioneering fashion trend of the starting 19th century and afterwards. Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity by Monica L. Miller group together all inspirations and causes behind this classical style. How black slaves played their part in settling this iconic fashion. Besides, it tries to trace black fashion history through black people’s struggle history. A fashion enthusiast will definitely not want to miss it.
5. How to Read a Dress: A Guide to Changing Fashion from the 16th to the 21st Century Lydia Edwards
November 18, 2021
These days, you tell your designers about all your desires and he/she gives you the exact design, even if it’s completely new or never existed before. That’s how new designs are introduced into the market. How to Read a Dress by Lydia Edwards holds you from the finger and makes you travel through five centuries of fashion styles. From a labor’s wife to a clergyman’s wife style , and from an aristocrat’s wife to queen’s attire, it gives detailed information about women’s fashion trends of all classes. From how and where they were made to why and for whom they were made, you will find every bit of detail. It’s a good choice in order to get a descriptive understanding of fashion styles from the 6th to 20th century.
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6. The Fashion Chronicles: The style stories of history’s best dressed by Amber Butchart
October 2, 2018
We all love different trends. Similarly, we try to imitate our favorite people or stylists. The Fashion Chronicles: The style stories of history’s best dressed by Amber Butchart is a story of different fashion styles through various prominent figures of history like Frida Kahlo, Amelia Earhart, Beyonce, etc. Beginning with Eve it ends at modern figures like Beyonce. It narrates their amazing styles and why it has such a profound impact on people. If you are looking for fashion inspiration, go ahead, it may include your all time favorite.
7. The Wedding Dress: The Fifty Designs That Changed The Course of Bridal Fashion by Eleanor Thompson
Brides are worried more about their dresses than their future husband. But don’t worry Eleanor Thompson’s The Wedding Dress: The Fifty Designs That Changed The Course of Bridal Fashion has got you. It includes the history of brides’ clothing styling. It tells you what was worn previously and why. Similarly, what’s in today’s marriages and what’s not. Providing every little bit of detail through vivid photographs, it is a savior of brides.
8. Fashion Victims: The Dangers of Dress Past and Present by Alison Matthews David
July 13, 2017
Fashion may seem to be all about fun and aesthetics but unfortunately it has a dark side. It’s not all glamor and lights. Alison Matthew in his book Fashion Victims: The Dangers of Dress Past and Present discusses the horrors of the fashion industry. Setting superficial rules and standards of perfectionism, the book gives brief accounts of how dangerous certain fashion trends have been for women, children, and men, and how threatening they are, these days. Drawing on available documents, real people encounters and available stories. He examines reality and the appearance of fashion in different phases of history. It is also one of the must read, in order to have holistic view of industry.
