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High Style: Masterworks from the Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art
This lavishly illustrated volume is the first comprehensive publication on the Brooklyn Museum’s internationally renowned historic costume collection. The nearly 25,000-object collection comprises fashionable women’s and men’s garments and accessories from the 18th through the 20th century. It features sumptuous 19th-century gowns from the House of Worth, exquisite works by the great 20th-century French couturiers, iconic Surrealist-based designs of Elsa Schiaparelli, sportswear classics from pioneer American women designers, and the incomparable draped and tailored creations of Charles James. In 2009, the Brooklyn Museum and The Metropolitan Museum of Art entered into a groundbreaking long-term partnership to steward Brooklyn’s collection. The objects were transferred to The Costume Institute at the Metropolitan, with Brooklyn maintaining curatorial access. Exhibitions of costumes from the collection will be held at both institutions in early May 2010.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 25, 2011
"High Style" is similar to "100 Dresses" in that it provides the best examples of each sartorial era. The difference is in the number of examples as well as in the amount of information that goes with them. Each section offers a glimpse into the history behind major trends and fashion houses, leaving it to the reader to make his or her own discoveries.
I had quite a few "aha" moments while reading this book. I did not realize, for example, that Charles Frederick Worth, who is considered the father of haute couture, was also the one to lay ground for mass production of clothing and modern mail order catalogs. Yes, all of his pieces were custom-made for his clients - wealthy ladies of society. And he did pride himself on exquisite workmanship and unique fabrics he chose for his fabulous creations. However, when the house of Worth became wildly popular, patterns of skirts, bodices and sleeves were created in such a manner, that they could be easily interchanged to create new looks quickly. Some dresses were offered with two bodices: one for the day with long sleeves and high neckline, and one for he evening with bare shoulders and more decolette display.
In order to ensure the ongoing business from his clients, Worth started releasing booklets with new designs for the next season three to six months in advance, inviting the ladies to order their gowns for the opera season opening and holiday balls in advance, to be properly decked out in time for their next series of events.
Much to my embarrassment, I did not realize that Yves Saint Laurent started his career working for Christian Dior. Not only that, bur Dior named him a successor, when Saint Laurent was in his very early twenties. The boy must have been good!
I was also astonished to discover how many fashion designers were architects, engineers or doctors in their previous professions. Although, in retrospect, it makes sense, for clothing design does require knowledge of structure and human anatomy. Contrary to popular belief, many prominent designers promoted the "clothes should fit the body" philosophy, instead of the "body should fit the clothes" mantra that appears to plague today's high fashion.
I had quite a few "aha" moments while reading this book. I did not realize, for example, that Charles Frederick Worth, who is considered the father of haute couture, was also the one to lay ground for mass production of clothing and modern mail order catalogs. Yes, all of his pieces were custom-made for his clients - wealthy ladies of society. And he did pride himself on exquisite workmanship and unique fabrics he chose for his fabulous creations. However, when the house of Worth became wildly popular, patterns of skirts, bodices and sleeves were created in such a manner, that they could be easily interchanged to create new looks quickly. Some dresses were offered with two bodices: one for the day with long sleeves and high neckline, and one for he evening with bare shoulders and more decolette display.
In order to ensure the ongoing business from his clients, Worth started releasing booklets with new designs for the next season three to six months in advance, inviting the ladies to order their gowns for the opera season opening and holiday balls in advance, to be properly decked out in time for their next series of events.
Much to my embarrassment, I did not realize that Yves Saint Laurent started his career working for Christian Dior. Not only that, bur Dior named him a successor, when Saint Laurent was in his very early twenties. The boy must have been good!
I was also astonished to discover how many fashion designers were architects, engineers or doctors in their previous professions. Although, in retrospect, it makes sense, for clothing design does require knowledge of structure and human anatomy. Contrary to popular belief, many prominent designers promoted the "clothes should fit the body" philosophy, instead of the "body should fit the clothes" mantra that appears to plague today's high fashion.
June 25, 2017
A history of fashion as told through the history of a museum collection, and through the stories of the women who wore and donated the clothes in it. Pretty pictures, too.
December 5, 2015
Probably the most cohesive fashion book I've ever read. With dresses going back to the 1700s, it explains what the functions of the styles were, who the top designers were in that time period, and gives several examples of each. The clothes are gorgeous too. It's rare that a photography book is this well written or a history book is this fashionable.
Best guide ever.
Best guide ever.
May 22, 2013
Pure eye candy for costumers and couture buffs. Excellent photographs.
April 2, 2012
Such beautiful gowns
February 2, 2013
The dresses and accessories in this book are absolutely stunning. Well worth reading for those who love fashion!
February 6, 2013
Sheer pleasure. Fun for the eyes and brain!
October 23, 2013
Beautiful photographs of gorgeous dresses - didn't read a lick of text!
June 9, 2016
The beauty of some of these dresses could drive one to weeping.
June 10, 2015
i want to wear AAAALLL THE THINGSSS
December 22, 2015
Beautiful.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews