Fashion design is both an industrial and cultural phenomenon. It stretches from the glamorous catwalks of fashion epicenters to the industrial factories in far-flung countries. It is ever-changing and reflects the desires and aspirations of society. It discovers and capitalizes on advances in technology.
The collection of dresses in this book provides an introduction to the path fashion has taken in the past century. It is a story that embraces social and economic change and radically fluctuating positions on gender and sexuality. From the 1915 Delphos Pleated Dress to Hussein Chalayan’s 2007 LED dress, these are dresses that have gained a special place in design history.
With stunning photography selected by the Design Museum, Fifty Dresses that Changed the World is the perfect gift for fashionistas and design enthusiasts of all ages.
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186 reviews for Fifty Dresses that Changed the World
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Sarah Phillips –
Adorable book! Packaged well and came sealed new. Loved reading through this book! I ended up giving it to my friend in fashion school and she is obsessed with it!
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Mrs. G. M. Mitchell –
Fabulous book, highly recommend, has all the most iconic dresses, including the Queen’s wedding dress, Diana’s and Wallis Simpson
samuelahi –
lots of pictures and awesome history lessons, any fashionista or even history buff would love this.
got this for my sister who’s a graduated fashion major, she immediately began flipping through and was enamored. it’s been on her coffee table since.
allotherwebs –
Well written book about the dresses that became the icons of fashion.
Nicholas –
An excellent book, entertaining, interesting and informative.
Suzy Walker –
I bought this book for my fashion conscious granddaughter. She loved it. Once she opened it on Christmas day, every girl/woman in the room picked it up and read it for a while. It was a hit with all ages.
Judy M. Johnson –
Found a couple errors in history, and would have selected some of the same and never would have thought of others…but it is a British production. Americans have a different perspective. One error was calling a famous actress Rita Hayward. We have Rita Hayworth and Susan Hayward. I think they meant Rita Hayworth. Also said the word “vintage” was not even invented in the 1960s. Come on! It’s been used for a great many years! Perhaps they meant as relates to fashion ONLY. Still it’s worth adding to the fashion library.
Alethia Strickland –
The book arrived in good condition only a few dings and that is to be expected of a used book other than that it was a great buy and great addition to my coffee table.
Giulia F. –
Un piccolo bignami di moda
Lisa A. Cruz –
I plan to give my son this book for Christmas.
It covers so many eras of style and is a welcome addition to any home library.
It is fun to look at the various fashions throughout the decades.
William –
Es gibt weit spektakulärere Kleider, die die Modewelt verändert haben – im Film und in bei den Coutouriers. das Buch ist überfüssig, die meisten Bilder höchst mittelmäßig. Kurz: Das Buch hält bei weitem nicht, was der Titel verspricht.
Sada Vee –
Go ahead–judge this book by its cover. The color, the font, the title, the simplicity, the Breakfast at Tiffany’s wonderment of it all.
I mean, stick Audrey Hepburn in a tiara on a striking mustard background and who wouldn’t judge?
This book is delicious. It beautifully outlines 50 dresses that made a “substantial impact in the world of design.” And it does this well. The people at Design Museum know their stuff and you are bound to learn a thing or two (unless maybe you’re a costume historian or professional Dressologist).
We’re not talking universe-altering-atom-splitting-rocket-curing-hunger-world-peacifying stuff, we’re talking dresses.
But they are amazing dresses that created long-standing trends in women’s fashion. The FFF (Fifty Fabulous Frocks) reflected the politics of the day and put designers on the map. You will likely guess a couple of the creations that make the cut, but you may also be surprised by others. I think Betsey Johnson is notably and unforgivably absent, but nobody asked me…
Design Museum gives a short explanations for each selection. But it’s a somewhat text-booky read. I wish they would’ve hired a writer to zip up the copy to suit the beauty of the dresses and the photos. But all is forgiven, Design Museum.
Go forth, if you love fashion, art, design, style, picture books, or mini coffee table books, it’s a very pretty read. It’s worth spending the money if in the industry or a hobbyist. Otherwise, a quick flip through will do the job nicely.
MO gal –
I ordered this for my daughter for Christmas, as she’s a formal dress lover and she loved it! She’s loaned it to a couple of friends, as well, and they have loved it too!