Fashion History from the 18th to the 20th Century

I gave this to a friend who has a master's in textiles. She rhapsidized over the beauty of the photographs and simply loved the book.

Being familiar with two earlier Kyoto Costume Institute (KCI) publications--The Evolution of Fashion (19th & 20th Century) and The Revolution of Fashion (18th Century)--I was excited to discover that Taschen had produced a new book covering fashions from the 18th to the 20th Century found in the KCI collection. Although I was concerned that this new book might just be a revision and compilation of photos from the two earlier exhibits (with, perhaps, some additional costumes to cover the second-half of the 20th Century), at 700+ pages, I figured there must be at least a few new entries. The book arrived today and I have been unable to put it down. As soon as I opened the book, I knew that my fears had been unfounded. The new book not only includes costumes found in the earlier books, but includes detailed close-ups of those costumes and many new costumes. The depth of color and detail in the photos is extraordinary. (Taschen is well known for the quality of its publications.) Although the text accompanying the photos is generally quite minimal--limited in many cases to date, description and the inventory number of each piece--it will often include some historical information in an introduction to a period or style. Moreover, many of the 20th Century entries are preceded by a short biographical sketch of the designer whose fashions follow. The KCI is well-known for its extensive collection of Western costume. One of the Institute's rather unique features lies in its presentation of those costumes. Rather than laying the clothes out flat, they are displayed on manikins in the manner in which they would have been worn--including shoes, hats, gloves, purses, fans, etc. Through this book, Taschen has succeeded in making the KCI collection accessible to the rest of the world. (As testament to the quality and beauty of this book, two co-workers I showed the book to today--people who are not costumers or designers--have placed their orders for a copy.) Without a doubt, this book will be a well-treasured addition to my library.

The main reason I am writing this review is because I read a comment in a review saying that this was a pocket-size book which could not be farther from the truth. I was honestly shocked at how big this book was when it arrived. It measures 13 1/2 inch by 10 inch by 1 3/4 inches. The thing weighs as much as a baby. It has massive, full size, high quality photos that take up full pages, some of full garments and some of close-ups. This is definitely a book that should be invested in and well-kept for a fashion historian, costumer, or just someone who likes clothes.

I was expecting a smaller, standard size book due to the low price, but this big is huge! Full on coffee table sized book. With over 600 pages too.All for 13$. And it is absolutely gorgeous and in perfect shape. I could not be happier with my purchase. If you are in to the history of fashion and pretty photographs of pretty dresses, then you can't miss this one if you catch it on sale.

So many praises to give. The size is one huge attraction details are so clear with the larger format and comparisons a much easier thing to manage I can't not mention the price point on this copy my thanks to amazon for that treat as well My only wish is that extra photos of the garments fronts if the back was featured but that is only building the lily for sure Everyone should include this edition to their costume history collection without delay

Gorgeous photography and design, beautiful pieces. This one is a feast for the eyes and an incredibly helpful body of information for designers and artists. I would love to see this collection in person, but this book is the next best thing.

Hard to put into words but inside didn't quite live up to cover. Not the seller's fault at all. Book is new. The content was just not as good as I expected.

huge colorful book the size of a fashion magazine, if it was over 700 pages. gorgeous high quality pictures of men's and women's clothing , shoes and even undergarments from 1740s to 2000. I am very impressed. very sturdy book, very well made. this book would be a great present for anyone who likes fashion. I didn't expect to spend so much time studying its pictures, admiring intricate details in construction of these beautiful pieces

IT was a present for my doughter. She loved it. Great book with large and beautiful pictures.

Arrivato in tempo e in perfette condizioni! Come tutti i taschen, bellissime foto e descrizioni (in questo in inglese)

Özenli bir paketlemeyle elime zamanında ulaşan siparişimin içerisinden ayrı pakette 2 takvim hediyesi çıktı. Biri duvar ve diğeri masa takvimi olan bu hediyeler de kuşe kağıda renkli baskı ile ünlü ressam tablolarının en sevilenleriyle donatılmış. Keyifle kullanacağım. Kitap zaten modaya ilgisi olan herkesin kütüphanesinde olması gereken bir kaynak. Teşekkür ederim.

Beautiful collection, big quality photos with detailed descriptions

Non posso ancora mettere 5 stelle in quanto non l'ho scartato completamente dalla pellicola essendo un regalo, ma detto questo il pacco è arrivato interno, anche la pellicola e il libro (esterno, per ora ho verificato solo quello) non sono danneggiati, inoltre rispecchia la descrizione, è veramente un librone, molto pesante e con copertina rigida, inoltre già le foto della copertina sia anteriore che superiore sono di alta qualità, veramente consigliato