Synopses & Reviews
Why do we dress the way we do? How has fashion changed and evolved over the centuries? How did the 3-piece suit come about? Why have hemlines risen and fallen over time? In
The Anatomy of Fashion, respected fashion commentator Colin McDowell goes beyond standard fashion histories and narrative surveys to answer these questions and many more.
The book's unique structure takes the reader from head to toe in sections such as `The Body Unclothed,? `Materials and Texture,? `Head to Waist,? `Hips to Feet,? `Looks and Themes in Dress,? and more. Visually rich, with over 500 photographs, illustrations, paintings, and film stills, the book includes work by designers and labels such as Ralph Lauren, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, Versace, Carhartt, Diesel and more.
The book's dynamic structure and layout are equally suited for browsing and for serious reference, but The Anatomy of Fashion is not simply a picture book. It is a sourcebook by one of the world's leading fashion scholars that seeks nothing less than a thorough analysis of the roots of every aspect of fashion today.
Review
The Anatomy of Fashion is such an innovative and intelligent way to narrate and explore fashion. Colin McDowell's mind has the clarity to do this to perfection.--Manolo Blahnik
Review
For all the hullabaloo surrounding street style, one often forgets that clothes are first and foremost a means of protecting the body. Colin McDowell is placing new emphasis on this fact, presenting a history of fashion as it relates to human anatomy.--Vogue.com
Review
Colin McDowell [is] the senior statesman of the fashion press. . . Fashion has always been about the body: protecting it, flaunting it, enhancing it. . . In Mr. McDowell's book, you will discover details like the difference between bosom shapes of Edwardian matrons and flapper, the evolution of cotton and synthetic textiles, the appeal of bondage wear and even the derivation of corduroy measurements.--Eric Wilson, The New York Times
Review
A leading style historian traces fashion's past, present and future. . . A comprehensive resource charts a beautifully illustrated course through the very beginnings of dress, tracing the evolution of trends in clothing, accessories, and grooming to the way we look today. . . an accessible and exciting read.--Details.com
Review
A leading scholar takes an extensive look at how fashion evolved over time.--Publishers Weekly