Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

A history of fashion from the 19th century giving the social and economic implications of each style, and beginning with the 1940s there is a discussion of each designers philosophy, style, and output.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Library Journal Review

Mere words cannot describe this elegant visual documentary of American fashion, which focuses on the lives of New York designers both obscure and celebrated as well as their fanciful creations. Throughout, Milbank intertwines a virtual who's who of the women's clothing industry from the early 19th century through the 1980s with the story of the rise of American department stores and ready-to-wear clothing. Beginning with the 1940s, entries are arranged alphabetically by individual designers and include brief biographical information along with their notable signature or trademark design concepts and features. A welcome addition to any type of library collection.--Stephen Allan Patrick, East Tennessee State Univ. Lib., Johnson City (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

CHOICE Review

This attractive publication traces the evolution of American style by closely examining the New York City fashion trade and related industries beginning with chapters on the 19th century and the period from 1900 to 1920. Thereafter each chapter is devoted to one decade through the 1980s. The fashions, silhouettes, and accessories of each period are discussed with a nice choice of color and black-and-white photographs and drawings not published in other recent fashion works. Also unique to this title are details on the changing locations and histories of many New York City design houses and department stores selling the fashions discussed. Each of the chapters covering the decades after the 1940s also includes brief biographical sketches of major designers active within that decade. The text focuses closely on the New York fashion scene but covers related topics such as the often uncomfortable comparison of US to Parisian fashions, the effect of social trends and war on the fashion industry, and the effect of Hollywood film on fashion. The text is enjoyable but may include too many undefined technical terms for the novice. There is no glossary. A bibliography and index are included. Broader in scope than Jane Mulvagh's comparable Vogue History of 20th Century Fashion (CH, Sep'89), this work includes more information on the ready-to-wear trade and more histories of specific department stores. Of use primarily to students of fashion history and design, this title may also interest theater costumers and general followers of fashion. Recommended for larger public libraries and academic libraries with collections in fashion history or design. -M. Hamilton, The Ohio State University

Booklist Review

Decade by decade, to the present day, Milbank examines influences and events as they have affected American clothing styles. She reveals fashion firsts--separates in the nineteenth century, ankle-length skirts of the Civil War and pre-World War I, the "risque" skirt lengths of the 1920s, and the beach pajamas/culottes of the 1930s. Short pieces focus on important American designers from Adrian to Zoran. More than 300 illustrations (100 in color) complement the perceptive text, which traces New York's influence and prominence from American fashion capital to its place as the world's leader of the ready-to-wear industry. All fashion/costume collections should reserve space for this significant work. Includes bibliography and index. --Janet Lawrence