Synopses & Reviews
Whether they are made from animal skins, wool, or cloth, clothes serve many purposes. They protect the body from the elements, hide it while showing it off. They are a second skin and an old saying seems quite appropriate, "Tell me what you wear and I'll tell you who you are." Through more than fifteen hundred examples, we would like to take you on a journey starting in Antiquity and finishing in the 1920's to visit the fanciful world of costumes.
From Veccellio in the 16th century to mail order catalogues, printed documents on costumes constitute source books which are constantly propagated. They provide inspiration for artistspainters, sculptors, and draftsmenand also for costume designers and couturiers.
These images can be studied and enjoyed by armchair historians for their elequent charm, although they are important references for numerous trades.