Thames & Hudson World of Art – Costume and Fashion

Published by Thames & Hudson, Costume and Fashion offers an insightful overview of the history of fashion from the weavers of the Middle Ages to the modern-day fashion industry. The book is written by art historian James Laver, professor Amy de la Haye and fashion editor Andrew Tucker, and it is part of Thames & Hudson’s acclaimed World of Art series.

From the momentus invention of the needle some 40,000 years ago to the development of blue denim, from Neolithic weavers to the biggest names in the fashion industry today – this classic guide covers the landmarks of costume history, the forms and materials used through the ages, the underlying motives of fashion and the ways in which clothes have been used to protect, to express identity, and to attract or to influence others. This sixth edition features a new foreword and concluding chapter by Amy de la Haye. The book is brought right up to date with a discussion about the major political shifts within the fashion industry, highlighting how it has responded to issues surrounding racism and sexism; LGBTQI rights; mental health awareness; body and age diversity and global sustainability.