Vintage Fashion: A Complete Sourcebook

by Nicky Albrechtsen

An ambitious and comprehensive book on women’s vintage fashion, featuring over one thousand garments dating from the 1920s to the 1980s. This is not just another history of it is a survey of how fashionpast continues to inspire fashion present. It features over one thousand standout pieces dating from the 1920s to the 1980s, including many icons of vintage fashion, from Marilyn Monroe’s bra to the Ossie Clark dress made famous by David Hockney’s painting. Each garment is explored from the viewpoint of the contemporary fashionista looking to build a vintage wardrobe. Vintage Fashion is organized into three main sections. “Decades” traces the shapes and fabrics that define the look of each period. “Elements” explores the individual components of a vintage look, everything from hat to shoes. “Hallmarks” outlines fashion’s perennial themes, from florals to the ever-popular little black dress. Finally, a reference section includes invaluable practical advice for fans and collectors of vintage. 1300+ illustrations

Genres: Fashion

432 pages, Paperback

Published September 26, 2023

Reviews

[Boyce McClain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something that I find fascinating is how that so many young people are embracing fashion from decades past.
Vintage clothing stores are all the rage and one never knows what one might see when it comes to present day fashion.

In Vintage Fashion A Complete Sourcebook by author Nicky Albrechtsen and publisher Thames & Hudson, readers are given a decade by decade tour of fashions starting in the 1920s up until the 1980s.

As much as I’m hesitant to say it I remember seeing many of the cloths as pictured starting from the 1950s to the 1980s. Bell bottoms, funky glasses, high-heel boots, disco clothing, paisley, blinged out belts, in-your-face sweaters and other fashions popular so long ago.

The book is more than a simple catalog of photos and descriptive text. It is a testament to the times each item of clothing was popular in.

Discover what inspired each garment, what transpired during its popularity and much more.

Don’t shy away from it because you may think it is all about cloths. No, it is much more than that. It’s a tribute, history lesson and commentary on not just cloths but the people that designed, made and wore them.

Look for decades, elements and hallmarks that shaped the what, who and why of vintage fashion.

Romans 10:17 - So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

[Rainy Lanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good but it should be clear that this book is written for a British audience looking to collect and wear vintage fashion and not just learn about it. It focuses heavily on British designers with a dabbling of American and French ones. I have no problem with English fashion I just didn’t know but I should have done my research. The book has many nice photos with great examples and information. If you are in the England and you are on the hunt for vintage fashion, this would be the book for you.

[Kaitlin Jundt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this at the library this afternoon and literally spent all afternoon pouring over the pages! Can we bring back some of the classy styles again?!

[Karlee G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly detailed, I enjoyed every page!