The Dictionary of Fashion History

(Hardback)

Available Formats

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

- What is an earthquake gown
- Who wore eelskin masher trousers
- What did the word "dudes" mean in the 16th century

A Dictionary of English Costume by C. Willett Cunnington, Phillis Cunnington and Charles Beard was originally published in 1960. A monumental achievement and encyclopaedic in scope, it was a comprehensive catalogue of fashion terms from the mid-medieval period up to 1900. It was reissued and updated several times, for the last time in 1976. For decades it has served as a bible for costume historians. The Dictionary of Fashion History completely updates and supplements the Cunningtons' landmark work to bring it up to the present day.

Featuring additional terms and revised definitions, this new edition represents an essential reference for costume historians, students of fashion history, or anyone involved in creating period costume for the theatre, film or television. It also is fascinating reading for those simply interested in the subject.

Clear, concise, and meticulous in detail, this essential reference answers countless questions relating to the history of dress and adornment and promises to be a definitive guide for generations to come.

Reviews

Nearly forty years on and now hard to find save in reference libraries, the volume reappears as The Dictionary of Fashion History, skilfully enlarged and re-edited by Valerie Cumming, formerly Deputy Director of the Museum of London. Given fresh life and thorough coverage from 1900 through the present day, the new dictionary is once again ready to prove itself a trustworthy guide and companion to all those interested in the absorbing study of clothing. * Ann Saunders, Editor, Costume 1967-2007 *
A welcome, needed update of an early landmark dictionary on dress; a must have for all who care about the A to Z of fashion. * Joanne B. Eicher, Regents Professor Emerita at the University of Minnesota *
Concise yet detailed, academic, and fabulous, it is truly a dictionary. The Dictonary of Fashion History is an essential purchase for any library serving patrons with an interest in fashion, clothing, art, history, theater, anthropology, or nearly any area of the social sciences. * Library Journal *

Author Bio

Valerie Cumming is Chairman, The Costume Society, and formerly Deputy Director and Chief Curator, Museum of London.