2 comments about The Wearing of Costume: The Changing Techniques of Wearing Clothes and How to Move in Them, from Roman Britain to the Second World War.

1. This book has some golden nuggets of very interesting info that you're not likely to find elsewhere (I found the info on how to carry oneself when wearing period clothing to be especially interesting) but the quality and thoroughness of the treatment seemed somewhat inconsistent to me.



2. While it's not a book on creating costumes, or what exactly people wore, this should be in every reenactor's library.

   Instructions on managing skirts, cloaks, corsets, swords, all of the facets of historical dress, do not come with the clothing, and aren't always instinctive for the modern person.

   Meant primarily for actors, this is still a handy little book to have around for those who just like to dress up.

2 comments about Dressed to Rule: 18th Century Court Attire in the Mactaggart Art Collection.

1. This would ideally be the first book one would read when beginning to research 18th century Chinese/Manchu robes. The book is divided into categories which include many examples, Qing dragon and court robes, construction, and symbolism. This overview is greatly enhanced by plates of a wide range of robes; each one representing a specific style, rank, gender, or group. The beauty of the colors is the main feature of this robes. Excellent photos make this small but excellent catalogue a 5 stars book. It was also an easy and enjoyable book to read. I began to skim the "construction" section, expecting it to be boring (I have no desire to make one!), but found so many areas of interest, that I read it in its entirety. I recommend this book for anyone who appreciates the grandeur of Chinese art. The robes are among the most important treasures to be found. Congratulations.



2. Among its aristocracy, Chinese clothing is an art form distinctively traceable down through the centuries. In Dressed To Rule: 18th Century Court Attire In The Mactaggart Art Collection, John E. Vollmer (an internationally known curator and well regarded scholar in Asian art, textiles, costumes, decorative arts and design) focuses upon Chinese court dress dating from the Quin dynasty (1644-1911) back through the 13th century Jin dynasty. The examples are taken from the renowned Mactaggart Art Collection housed at the University of Alberta. Enhanced with more than fifty color photographs showcasing the garments provided as examples, period portraits, and details from a rare hand scroll illustrating the Chinese emperor's tour of cities along the Grand Canal, "Dressed To Rule" provides interested readers with an informed and informative overview of the importance, relevance, and utilization of clothing to represent imperial status, prestige, and position. A seminal contribution, "Dressed To Rule" is a strongly recommended addition to personal, professional, and academic library Chinese Culture, Chinese History, and Textile History reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

No comments about Put on Your Pearls, Girls! Deluxe: Boxed Deluxe Edition Book and Tote Bag.

No comments about Handbook of Fashion Design & Technology.

No comments about Women's Hats: Il Cappello da Donna (Bella Cosa).

No comments about Fashioning Gothic Bodies.

2 comments about Gordon Conway: Fashioning a New Woman (American Studies Series).

1. A wonderfully told and illustrated life sketch of the inimitable Gordon Conway, "That Red Head Gal". Conway is a little known, but extremely talented fashion artist and designer from the early 20th century (Worked 1916-1936). Those interested in 1920's fashion and design history should consider including this fine volume in their library today.



2. This is an indepth look into the life and times of a woman who was immensely talented. It is written by an author who obviously takes great pride in her subject and is quite thourough in her presentation of her subject. It would be a fascinating A&E special.

No comments about Diana: The Fashion Princess.

No comments about Bound to Please.

2 comments about The Empire of Fashion.

1. In this book Lipovetsky makes explicit ideas that one could find in a more timid way in earlier books. The basic idea of his thought is that fragmentation of society does not, in the way it is thought commonly, mean destruction of morals or democracy. On the contrary, democracy is formed by the powers that are able to join fragmentation and continuity. This is what he shows with fashion. Fashion is from where he can understand what is "the essence" (although it isn't an essenciallist thought)of Western Culture. He uses the concept of fashion to synthetize the opposites: fragmentaed indivilualistic society and universal democratic society. As Hegel, he sees the union of both opposites through the whole reconstruction of Fashion. Not science or Reason but fashion is what explains us better what we are and why we are like that.



2. Unlike the stuffy American academics who turn their nose up at the world of fashion, Lipovetsky realizes the importance of fashion - not just as a result of liberalism and/or capitalism - but as a contributor to these structures. Lipovetsky basically argues that modern fashion contributes to democratization by allowing individuals more choices and also by obscuring social classes (Does Bill Gates dress signify his social or financial superiority in any way?). He also gives a pretty concise and coherent history of fashion which helps us understand where we stand today. On top of all that, it's well written. I don't know whether to thank him or Porter for that. All and all, an outstanding and entertaining rejection of the tedious, reductive Marxist explanations of fashion.