Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Fashion in this century has ceased to be the domain of the wealthy. This book looks behind the scenes for a deeper understanding of the social, economic and technical changes which have caused this revolution in our attitude to dress. The author tells the story of fashion shocks: two world wars, the impact of new fibres and manufacturing techniques, the influence of radical new designers, and a succession of post-war youth explosions culminating in the punk and new wave looks of the last decade.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Booklist Review

This revision of an edition published more than 10 years ago (Booklist 72:11 S 1 75) updates coverage to the mid-1980s. Ewing relates the evolution of women's fashion in this century in terms of fashion's move from being solely the concern of high society to being part of the life of everyone. Noting the intense sociological alterations brought about by two world wars, new fabrics, and innovative production techniques, Ewing documents with fond detail the turns fashion has taken in its descent from rarified heights. The text is well illustrated, though the black-and-white photos are not quite as stunning as one might have hoped. Bibliography and index. BH. 391'.009 Costume History 20th century [CIP] 86-3502