The Encyclopaedia of Fashion - Hardcover

O'Hara defines fashion broadly, and her knowledgeable book includes biographies of trend setters, ranging from Madame Recamier to Madonna, as well as illustrators, manufacturers, retailers, and, of course, designers. The definitions of styles, articles of clothing, and fabrics are accompanied by excellent illustrations. Fashion magazines are also covered. Though the arrangement is alphabetical, the reader is led from one topic to another by cross references; e.g., under mini skirt there are references to Bates, Courreges, and Quant. Carolyn Houck's Fashion Encyclopedia ( LJ 5/15/82), intended as a consumer's guide, is more limited. This work will be an invaluable source of information for fashion historians and students, and entertaining to those merely intrigued by the subject. Essential for reference collections. Eleanor Riley, Getty Conservation Inst. Lib., Marina del Rey, Cal.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.