The Yale University Press cover
I worked with Quid Publishing (now part of Bright Press) on the presentation and layout for this title, a next-in-series to follow my own book Twentieth Century Design. The book was authored by Emmanuelle Dirix, the fashion historian and Visiting Lecturer in Critical & Historical Studies at the Royal College of Art. The book was published in the UK by Thames & Hudson with the title High Fashion: The 20th Century Decade-by-Decade, and in the US by Yale University Press as Dressing the Decades: Twentieth-Century Vintage Style. The books obviously have different covers but the content is identical so please don’t purchase both editions.
Here’s the blurb from the jacket:
An authoritative and visually stunning look at the fashion of the twentieth century, Dressing the Decades examines in depth the origins of the most important luxury garments. Each sumptuously illustrated chapter features a detailed overview of a particular decade, including the historical events, politics, technology, and advertising that inspired its most celebrated designs. By offering a thorough socio-economic context for the progress of high fashion through the years, the book provides a new perspective on such iconic items and significant trends as the cocktail dress, the Chanel suit, the tunic dress, boho chic, Futuristic chic, and others.
An authoritative and visually stunning look at the fashion of the twentieth century, Dressing the Decades examines in depth the origins of the most important luxury garments. Each sumptuously illustrated chapter features a detailed overview of a particular decade, including the historical events, politics, technology, and advertising that inspired its most celebrated designs. By offering a thorough socio-economic context for the progress of high fashion through the years, the book provides a new perspective on such iconic items and significant trends as the cocktail dress, the Chanel suit, the tunic dress, boho chic, Futuristic chic, and others.
The century’s most famous designers—including Lanvin, Chanel, Balenciaga, Dior, Givenchy, Versace, and Calvin Klein—are profiled here, their influence and imagery conveyed through annotated head-to-toe looks and photographs of signature pieces and outfits. Also included are other, all-but-forgotten designers whose work nonetheless changed the way clothing is designed, made, promoted, and sold. Beautiful illustrations include design drawings, fashion photographs, and vintage fashion advertisements; together with an introductory timeline, this exceptional volume presents a meaningful narrative for the creation and lasting appeal of the past century’s fashion.
