Over 350 color photographs depict a magnificent array of fashion hats from the early 19th century to present day, including the earliest known American straw bonnet. The hats are presented chronologically according to primary materials; straw, felt, horsehair, feathers, silk, velvet, and flowers. Trends in hat designs, Hollywood style, Stetson hats, tips on collecting, and contemporary millinery are also discussed. The captions include specific details about each hat, as well as labels and information about the milliners. This useful reference includes a glossary, a detailed price reference,...

Fashion fanatics with a passion for the past will find a smorgasbord of wearable oldies in this new study by an expert in twentieth century fashion. Focusing on the great styles that emerged from the diverse eras between 1925 and 1965, the text places the clothing in its cultural habitat while more than 350 beautiful color photographs demonstrate the quality fabrics, dynamic designs, and careful workmanship that made the clothing last, both in condition and popularity. Chapters cover couture designers whose vintage clothes can be found on the market today, with chronologically arranged coats,...

Fashionable Clothing from the Sears Catalogs: Early 1950s focuses on wearable, collectible vintage clothing and accessories. The Sears catalogs provide the basis for a comprehensive evaluation of the fashions of this period. There is no guessing as to the dates of the clothing, and the descriptions are unsurpassed in terms of detail and accuracy. Vintage clothing from the early 1950s is extremely desirable to collectors, but it is increasingly difficult to find. Fashion designers look to the elegant styles of the period for inspiration. Collectors love the beautiful crafted handbags and the...

Fascinating, fabulous, and fun twentieth century handbags are a delight to look at, to carry, and to collect. The best make you smile because they are especially well designed, beautifully constructed, and a pleasure to own. Examine 140 special handbags that made the author pause and judge them among the most fun she has encountered over many years in the fashion world. Presented in ten chapters, they range from "Past Pleasures" to "Future Collectibles," in 177 color photographs, including details and makers' labels. Full identification, special comments that individualize their best...

Turn back the calendar pages for a memorable jaunt through the early '70s The clothing is very wearable, while being sought after by collectors. Drawn from Sears catalogs of the period, this entertaining book is an invaluable help in identifying and pricing vintage clothing and accessories. The captions provide accurate and detailed information about the many fashions illustrated in over 400 color photos. Today, clothing from the early 1970s is extremely popular on the vintage market, both to retail buyers, who enjoy wearing the styles, and to designers, who use the styles for inspiration....

This comprehensive new book celebrates over 550 top quality handbags by leading and unknown designers the world over, dating from 1759 to 2004, with detailed information to describe their outstanding qualities. These carefully selected handbags are arranged by their primary materials and chronologically within each chapter, for easy reference and interesting comparisons. Here fine leather, fabric, metal, beaded, skin, and plastic handbags from all over Europe, England, Canada, The United States, and Asia appear in over 600 beautiful color photographs. Examples appear from the design houses of...

Slip into something more comfortable as you peruse this comprehensive overview celebrating the art of women's underwear and lingerie. In this elegant display of vintage, collectible lingerie in satin, lace, silk, and chiffon, experience the evolving designs of modern lingerie from 1920 to 1980. From sweeping changes of a woman's role in society to the technological advances that produced a spectrum of new colors and range of textiles, the form and style of lingerie has undergone a significant transformation. Photos, sketches, and vintage ads tell the story behind the designs for bodices,...