Fashion that Changed the World

by Jennifer Croll

This book is the perfect fashion accessory—a sumptuous, exquisitely designed exploration of the most influential fashion icons, ideas, designers, pieces, and trends from throughout history. What did Vogue’s first cover look like? When did film stars become part of the fashion industry? What led to the development of ready-to-wear clothing? How did the paintings of Mondrian, Dalí and Warhol end up on the runway? These and other questions are answered in this eye-opening look at different aspects of the history of fashion—from Elizabeth I’s "Mask of Youth," to Lady Gaga’s "meat dress." Arranged by topic, the lavishly illustrated chapters explore themes such as war and the military; ready-to wear; fashion in film, art, and sports; celebrity; gay and lesbian fashion; globalization; and the internet. Fashion That Changed the World digs into a multitude of social, economic, and cultural factors that changed the course of fashion over the last few hundred years. Filled with colorful images—many of them full-page—and extensive essays that are both informative and engaging, this indispensable reference offers a historical snapshot of what we used to wear and why we choose the clothes that we do today.

Genres: Fashion, Nonfiction, History

192 pages, Paperback

First published August 25, 2014

About the author

Jennifer Croll is the author of Free the Tipple , Bad Girls of Fashion and Fashion That Changed the World and has written for magazines including NYLON, Adbusters, and Dazed and Confused. She lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was quite engaging, it being a fashion book and an art book. I love the color photos and how simple it is and very informative about the history through the years and how social standings helped shape the fashion world. From sports, couture to historical events to even royalty. Jennifer Croll has a definitive way of writing to engage the reader in how one would get to know what fashion is and how it came about. It was an easy read and very fun to see how fashion changed through the years and throughout the world. This would be a great reference book or even a coffee table book to adorn your house for guests or even for yourself. It's a great book.

[Felix Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked this up from the library yesterday and read it all in one sitting. Knowing very little about the topic I thought it would be the ideal thing to pick up and flick through over a week or so, and ended up being really surprised at how engrossing it ended up being. Croll has clearly researched this book very well and a lot of work has gone into the layout and design of it as well - it is a VERY pretty book. It cleverly covers a whole series of separate topics from a history of couture to ethical concerns in the fashion world. Overall a thoroughly enjoyed history of fashion!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not keen on or knowledgeable about fashion, but this book kept me interested and I learned many things about the fashion world I didn't previously know. the book is laid out well and is well illustrated.

[Sesana · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's some interesting stuff here, with some flaws. It was distracting to have constant references to other chapters in a "see also" sense, and there were several stories that were repeated, almost word for word, in two or three chapters. Also, the actual history might be somewhat suspect, since Croll apparently can't tell the difference between Napoleon and Napoleon III. For readers who aren't obsessed with early modern France: Eugenie was the wife of Napoleon III, the nephew of the one most people think of when they say Napoleon.

[Hilda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for someone who has an interest in fashion, but doesn't know quite where to start. Very interesting!!

[Natira · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5
In Text und Bild gibt es einen Überblick, wie z. B wie Mode beeinflusst wurde (z. B. Adel, Militär, Kunst); es geht um Themen wie Mode und Subkulturen, Mode und Ethik, Modemagazine, Fotografie - wobei auch immer wieder bestimmte Modeabschnitte angesprochen werden wie Haute Couture, Stile von Modemachern etc.
Als neugieriger Laie ohne großartigen Hintergrund wurden mir interessante Informationen geliefert, die naturgemäß bei dem Umfang des Buches kursorisch bleiben müssen - aber nach Intention wohl auch dürfen. Und man kann sich ja fortführende Literatur besorgen. ;)

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free through a Goodreads giveaway.

Fashion that Changed the World was a very interesting book; a mini history lesson centred around fashion! I learned many, many interesting facts about various famous people, cities and of course fashion itself. The photographs were stunning, and the general layout of the book was very pleasing to my eyes!

[Victoria · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has some interesting information but it was ruined for me by bad picture placement and selection. Also the constant and distracting references to other sections in the book anytime the current paragraph peripherally mentioned it.

[September Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very pretty book with great photos. For anyone who is a fashionista or just wants to learn a bit more about the origins of style.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, well-written book, good research. Nice go-to reference, very entertaining and inspiring too.