 
Fashion: A History from the 18th to the 20th Century The Kyoto Costume Institute is only about 30 years old, but they have a truly world class collection. And this book is a world class volume showcasing that collection. The earliest garments are from the seventeenth century and the newest ones are from 2000, so a lot of costume history territory is covered here. In act, there are 700 plus pages of it. Fashion is essentually a picture book, but it is much more than just pretty pictures. The garments are beautifully photographed, often with close-ups of important details or with historical photographs or art to help put the items into context. For example, a Fortuny "Delphos" dress is shown beside a 1924 photograph of a similar dress being worn. On the following page is a close-up of the pleated Fortuny fabric in an array of colors. The only part of the book that does not seem wholly satisfying is the part on the last twenty or so years. While the rest of the 20th Century offerings focus on the very best of wearable fashion, the last part is more concerned with the more conceptual work of Japanese designers like Rei Kawakubo and Yohji Yamamoto. And while these designs are certainly important and fascinating, it would also be helpful to have more examples of recent couture included. Fashion is a must-have book for all lovers of fashion history. It gives us a great view of clothes that most of us can never hope to see and examine in person.
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