Costumes Books

Oh, I love this little book!
It does cover some very basic information but the advanced stuff its there too - and I've been using their pattern-drafting technique since I was given a copy of that chapter back in college.... 25 years ago!
Great stuff.

Hey guys! Wow, if you're lookin for books on costuming and you've found this book, you've probably realized that there aren't that many books out there on the topic. I found this one at a library and I had to own it. Altho a little outdated (there's more technology now and even more techniques) It's a really good starting place since it lists many other books and sources in the back. The Authors also wote the Theater Technician's Handbook.....I like this one better since it has more information on actual construcion of costumes.

After being in a small costume shop for five years, i wish i had discovered this sooner! This book gives realistic solutions for common problems!

I took this book out of the library because I do costuming, but I didn't think it would be that good- now I want my own copy. Even though it contains theatre oriented advice on making realistic looking armor without breaking your budget, aging fabric, padding out your actors properly, etc., it also contains basic helpful advice for anyone who sews about the fabrics you use, how to solve problems when things don't fit right, picking the right sized dart, and more. I definitely recommend it.

Ritch Rand made a hat for me in 1994 and I'm still wearing it today. His book is like his hats- authentic, of the excellent quality and dedicated to the history of the Old West. If you believe that a hat says something about the person who wears it, if you are of the opinion that a hat is more friend and traveling companion than garment, then this book is for you. Read the book then get yourself a hat!!

Bought this book for my Dad who always wears a hat. It was a big hit!

If you would like to know any, and everything about cowboy hats this books for you.

This coffee-table type book contains a detailed history of the cowboy hat, specific information about how to choose a hat, measure properly for fit, clean it, store it, travel with it, and much more. Even discusses "hat hair!" Numerous historical photos show the development of the cowboy hat across the west and around the world. Exceptional photos of famous hats (who doesn't recognize Festus' Gunsmoke hat or Hoss Cartwright's 10-gallon monster on sight?) and great hat-wearers such as James Garner, the Duke, Henry Fonda and Clint Eastwood. A must for Western lovers, cowboy buffs, and everyday folks who own their own Stetson and want to know how to keep it nice!

Yes, Versace's book is about an extravagant and sumptuous lifestyle, and yes, it is exquisitely portrayed in this heavy paean to his glorious mode de vie. But what is most compelling is the revelation of his creative genius, his definition of beauty and how he captured it in so many varying elements of design. It is his definitive vision of the way he viewed the world, and the power with which he communicated that vision, that blow the mind. This weighty book is a testimony not only to Versace himself but to the very times in which we live(d). Truly, genius.

I am a Gianni Versace fans, i got this book from my friend as a birthday gift. This book is great i like it very much. The layouts, the pictures, the style all of them are so Versace, it's glamorous, beautiful, and full of freedom of expressions. This Book is as great as Men Without Ties and Rock and Royalty, those who enjoy the creativity of Versace, must have this incredible one.

Gianni Versace's "Do Not Disturb" is perhaps his own way of bringing his extravagant and admirable lifestyle to immortality. The book brilliantly showcases his glamorous, erotic and luscious way of living. A look into Versace's homes, the photographs are adorned with incredible architecture, dazzling colours, and beautiful nude young men. A great insight into how extravantly life can be lived.

Standing on Ocean Drive in front of Versace's Casa Casaurina in South Beach, I wondered, what was behind those beautiful gates? Do not disturb satisfied my curiousity. This beautiful text not only displays Versace's immaculate home interior designs, but he was ever so gracious to open his three unbelieveable homes to our curious eyes. All three homes in Milan, Lake Como,Italy and South Beach are absolutely incredible and tasteful. This book bleeds of opulence and Mr. Versace's enourmous fetish for Baroque patterns. I also highly recommend Versace's other 5 treasures from Abbeville press; Vanitas, Signatures, Men without Ties, Rock and royalty, and The Art of being you.

This is a great book for those who are seriously interested in the Middle Ages. Historians, living-history-adepts and re-enactors all can find what they are looking for. There is a lot of information, perhaps even too much for non-professionals (pages and pages on what was found where, with detailed descriptions). On the other hand, the drawings are just as detailed and this makes it a wonderful book just to browse and 'look at the pictures'. For a non-native speaker of English the language may be a bit difficult at times.

An excellent piece of work for those interested in fashion history or the items of everyday life in Medieval London. The extensive bibliography has been of great help to me in my own research.

I was highly entertained when I came across the section dedicated to the "compact mirror"! I must also point out that the section on pins was very informative. I was a little disappointed that the 3 sections on belt buckles and bits takes up almost half the book.

However, one cannot blame the authors for what the people of London threw away over 500 years ago. What has survived has been revealed in the best possible light with this book. A must have for the avid and sometimes historian. Bravo!

The Museum of London is putting out invaluable book for writers and researched. This is never going to be a bestseller, or even something the casual reader will be interested in. It's very details, extensively photographed artifacts of dress accessories for the Medieval Period, running 1150-1450.

They go into the field work and the finds, how the items are date. They cover girdles (not the kind Marlyn Monroe tells Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon to take off and spread out!) but the style women wore around the waist of their gowns. They ranged from fabric ones to metal. They cover buckles, how they were made, very detailed pictures, then diagrams of how they were constructed. Brooches, buttons, belts, pins, hair accessories, chains, pendants, fingers rights, bells, purses, mirrors, combs, cosmetic sets, needlecases and more. Often they included patterns.

They discuss the metallurgical of these items, how they were made. It will bore most people bloody stiff. To the historical writer of the period, they will be in heaven.

Highly recommended for the Historical Romance writer who wants to get it right. It's perfection for someone wanting the tiny details.

This book, part of a collective of what has become to be known as "the London Excavations" is invaluable for academic or hobbyist alike. Complete in its recording and detailing of dress accessories such as brooches, buttons, buckles, bells, purses,hair accessories, etcetera it provides a complete breakdown of information with excellant quality illustrations. Provides extensive commentary on materials and methods, uses, and contextural information. This is not just a compilation of data, its an extensive body of work on dress accessories of the period and their use.

An absolutely wonderful book! What a treat to be taken into the archives at Elvis Presley Enterprises and be able to see up-close some of the clothing worn by the King of Rock and Roll. Being able to put the clothing with the time and place he wore it is a history lesson. Julie Mundy is a serious Elvis fan who gives the rest of us fans a peek into something we can only dream about.

Great work and collaboration from Graceland executives made this book possible. Julie Mundy brings us closer than ever to many of Elvis's clothes and wardrobes. All photos are well described, professional, and exciting!
This book also shows us some of Wurthmeiers photos that are stunning!
Great coffee table material and Conversation Starter
Would have been a great pleasure to author this book!
Long live the King!

Wow -- I love this book!!!!!! Having extensively researched Elvis's wardrobe for my book The Girls' Guide to Elvis: The Clothes, the Hair, the Women, and More!, I am familiar with a great deal of Elvis's clothing -- this book is filled with things I've never seen before! What amazing access to Elvis's closet!! If you're fascinated by Elvis's personal style (and who isn't?!), you'll want to own this beautiful coffee table book. Well, well worth the price!

The basic concept of this book is what basically makes it great. Old photos of Elvis in all kinds of different outfits, both for the stage and from his personal wardrobe, are paired with the brand new photos of the same clothes now kept in the Graceland archives.
As simple as that, but it works. The new photos are truly great and together with the high class layout, it makes it a really quality investment - a coffee table book in the best sense of the word. The accompanying text by Julie Mundy is informative and well-written. No need to wonder who made what clothes, when, what the cost was at the time, and when Elvis wore it - all the information is right here. I personally really enjoyed the parts about the people who designed for Elvis, in particular the interview bits with Bill Belew who amongst other things did Elvis' famous jumpsuits.
The book is also a look back through history. It reminds you that Elvis dared to have a fashion style uniquely his own way before fashion dictated that everyone should have their own individual style. The book is a beautiful and interesting document of Elvis' transformation - and the development in fashion as Elvis interpretated it - over his 20 years career and definitely a good buy!

This book is an excellent resource for studying period fashion. Unlike so many period fashion books, which focus on evening wear or the clothing of the wealthy, this book gives great examples of what the general population wore every day. It will be extremely useful to costumers and fashion students.

I am totally hooked on this series and hope Dover continues it for 1899-1909 and the '50s and '60s, as well. Note in this volume that the brilliant folk at J. Peterman have copied some of the c1913 skirts in their mail order catalog (I now own two, and they're gorgeous). Thank you, Dover, and thank you, J. Peterman!

Thru illustrations created for the Sears Catalogs of the early twentieth century, clothing--functional, extravagant, glamorous, practical--is reproduced for visual inspection. Great for research, for curiosity seekers who wish to know what our foremothers wore, or in the case in which I used it, this is a perfect reference book to give to a dressmaker to let her see an example of an outfit you'd like to have made. An great book!

This book provides a comprehensive series of illustrations that immerse you in the world of fashion from this era. It is authentic and beautifully laid out, and depicts numerous costume items from the early 20th century, though mostly focusing on women. The pictures depict everything from dresses to shoes, hats to gloves; the women's hairstyles, makeup, undergarments, and overall looks give the reader the most authentic possible view of fashion and the aesthetic ideals of the time. The catalogue also shows the prices and features descriptions that include fabric and color. There are some pictures of men's and children's fashions. This book is thorough and unbelievably beautiful. The whole series of Sears catalogue fashions by decade is amazing. I recommend them all!

Great book for finding out what they really wore for dressy occasions during the Civil War Era and just prior. Afterwards they did not have the money or the material to do this, but it is lovely to see what they did before the war. Reenacter's who do not wish to spend a lot of money on a gown from the wrong era need to see what is correct before some dressmaker puts them into whatever pattern that SHE likes to make! RESEARCH is the key.

A delightful book to page through. Lots of black & white line drawings and several color plates. This must have been where Scarlett O'Hara got her inspirations!

This is an excellent reference guide for Lady Civil War Reenactors who want to create beautiful day dresses and ball gowns. The book has detailed descriptions of each dress. A true Godey's dress was for the lady of wealth, however many women of average means subscribed to Godey's to get ideas for the dresses they wore. Each page will give you an idea of colors, styles and types of fabrics used. This book is a must along with "Who Wore What" for a true insight into women's fashions of the 1860's

This book is beautiful. It is a very helpful reference and it is just fun to look at. It was also great to have the description of each of the outfits. This book is much more detailed than the "80 Godey's Full-Color Fashion Plates (1838-1880)" by JoAnne Olian, but then I liked all the full -colored as well.

I found this coloring book to have wonderful pictures of the Antebellum period to color in my own way and use my imagination as to how they would appear. The information at the bottom of each page was a fun lesson in style history.

Beautiufl coloring book. I bought these for my daughter who is interested in fashion and likes to color. Never a disappointment for the price.

I just purchased these Dover COloring Books for my mother and she loves them. The detail is out of this world and the variety of colors you can use are only limited by your inagination. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

For someone like me who loves to study historical fahsions, Tom Tierney has given me more to look at. Its a wonderful & thoughtful book cover to cover, and the detail impressive. Enjoy!

I got to take a look at this book in the UMASS non-circulating collection. It was beautiful, covered with a gold patterned cloth. Inside, the paper and reproductions of the carpets and art work were of the very best quality. I read the introduction and skimmed through the subsequent chapters. After my breif encounter with this book, I felt as though I had found the secret heart of Alexander's architectural theories. Somehow his passion for these carpets seemed to be the kernal from which his volumes have sprung.

I love and leave my books, but I'll never part with this one. I look at it daily and always find something new and edifying.

The book's raison d'etere is Alexander's magnificent collection, displayed in glorious photos. But if you feel frustrated/disgusted or uncomfortable/uneasy toward modern design, art, or architecture, you'll appreciate Alexander's axioms for objectively evaluating the aesthetic quality of the carpets. Alexander hopes that a generalized version of these axioms will save us from the ugliness of modernism and get human beings back into the business of creating truly beautiful things, whether carpets, buildings, comptuer programs, etc. That's why he titled it "A foreshadowing..."

Alexander comments on each carpet in the collection, describing the fascinating detective work that went into placing and dating each piece, as well as pointing out the most noteworthy elements of the patterns and colors. His commentary causes me to appreciate each carpet as a historical piece with tremendous significance to today -- the carpets are seemingly messengers from the past, reminding us of truths that have long been dormant in the human spirit.

He describes the best carpets as evoking a presence that is both human and divine. He says that a reliable way to judge the "better" of two carpets is to ask people which of the two they would choose to represent their own self or soul. Even carpet-naive people will consistently choose the more valuable carpet, even if it's not the one they "like" best. Interesting, right?

Christopher Alexander is known among architects and maybe even more among computer enthusiasts. If you are one of them (us) and know his other work, you would be surprised by this book.
It deals with carpets, specifically Turkish carpets.
A friend of mine lent me this book and I was fascinated. It has a certain passion for its subject and its interesting even if you don't know anything and don't care anything about carpets. Author explains about some items in his quite large collection of carpets and why he finds them not only rare and valuable as an antique but also beautiful.
The beauty of a carpet lies in its pattern and here we get to familiar grounds (as for example in his »A Pattern Language«). A pattern consists not only of the ornament but also of the negative space, the area remaining. He explains on examples from his collection. And one wanders if there is yet another application of his theory beside architecture per se, computer design and carpets.
Still its quite expensive, but if you happen to lay your hands on it, go ahead and enjoy.

...shoddy binding.

Other than that, the book's great.

What I like about his writing is how relates the way your eye works to the way the carpets are designed and built. He yalks a lot about "centers" and about how a carpet can be that much more enjoyable when your eye can be drawn to sections which can be more-easily digested.

I have both paper doll books (Princess Diana and Prince Charles Fashion Paper Dolls in Full Color; and Diana, Princess of Wales, Paper Doll: The Charity Auction Dresses [Paper Doll Series]) by Tom Tierney. I love his artistry and his attention to detail. I got the Charity Auction paper doll book as a gift and searched for more finding the first paper doll book that also included Prince Charles. I added both books to my scrapbook on Diana - I still love looking at these pages. They are both excellent as are all the paper doll books he produces. I also have books by Tom Tierney on Pope John Paul II, Jackie Kennedy Onasis, and one with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip. I would encourage anyone interested in collecting, using the books for school reports, or finding your favorite subject in paper dolls, to look for this artist. He does excellent work.

This is one of the most beautiful sets of paper dolls I have, well drawn with great attention to detail and short historical notes on each dress inside the back cover. There are a lot of costumes in this book, about thirty, and two beautiful dolls. It covers fashion from 1890 to 1919, with dresses from great designers like Worth and Paquin. Tom Tierney's paper dolls are wonderful, and this is one of his best.

Anyone who loves fashion history will enjoy this book. The illustrations are evocative of the lives of fashionable women 100 years ago.
I especially liked the dolls themselves, clad in faithful depictions of the underwear of the era.
The selection of costumes is superb. It is clear to see the development of women's dress from 1899 until 1919, from heavily corseted hourglass figures laden with ruffles, lace and embroidery, to the fantasies of the early teens and finally the simplification of dress leading up to the 1920-s.

This is a wonderful paper doll book. Book gives a bit of history regarding the dresses in the book. Illustrations are excellent.