AngloMania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion

AngloMania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion is Andrew Bolton’s richly illustrated catalogue for the landmark 2006 Costume Institute exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. This digital PDF edition is available for instant download and offers a complete record of the show’s provocative pairings of British fashion with historical dress and decorative arts.

With an introduction by Ian Buruma, the catalogue explores how British designers have absorbed, reshaped, and defied tradition. It presents a nuanced view of Englishness through fashion, from aristocratic heritage to punk rebellion.

This digital download preserves the original layout and images, making it an essential reference for students, designers, and fashion historians.

Book Overview

AngloMania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion was adapted from the exhibition held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art from May 3 to September 4, 2006. Andrew Bolton, curator at The Costume Institute, wrote the preface and chapter texts, while Ian Buruma contributed the introduction.

The catalogue juxtaposes contemporary garments with period clothing and furniture in the museum’s English Period Rooms. Thematic chapters include John Bull, the English garden, upstairs/downstairs, the deathbed, empire and monarchy, Francomania, the gentlemen’s club, and the hunt.

The project was organized by The Costume Institute and the Department of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts, with generous support from Burberry.

What You’ll Discover Inside

• Andrew Bolton’s curatorial preface and chapter essays on British fashion and historical representation
• Ian Buruma’s introduction, Tell a Man by His Clothes
• Photographs of ensembles by designers such as Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, and Burberry
• Documentation of the exhibition’s period-room settings, including Kirtlington Park, Cassiobury Park, Hampton Court, Croome Court, and Lansdowne House
• Illustrations of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century dress paired with contemporary fashion
• A complete catalogue of works, bibliography, and acknowledgments

Why This Book Matters

AngloMania captures a decisive moment in the interpretation of British fashion as cultural history. The exhibition challenged conventional museological practice by allowing modern fashions to clash with historical interiors and garments.

It remains a valuable document for understanding how Englishness has been styled, performed, and questioned through clothing. The catalogue is also a record of a major institutional collaboration between The Costume Institute and the Department of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts.

Book Details

Device Compatibility

This is a digital download and no physical item will be shipped. Access is available immediately after purchase.

The PDF is compatible with Kindle apps, tablets, desktop computers, and mobile reading apps. You can read it on most modern devices that support PDF viewing.

FAQ

How do I access the book after purchase?
You will receive an instant download link after checkout. No physical copy is sent.

Is this a physical book?
No, this is a digital PDF edition. It is delivered electronically and no shipping is required.

Can I read it on my tablet or phone?
Yes, the PDF works with Kindle apps, tablets, desktop software, and mobile reading apps that support PDF files.

This digital catalogue offers a lasting record of a groundbreaking exhibition. Download your copy and explore the full text and images at your own pace.

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