Changes coming to MOBIUS soon! Find out more.

The Midtown Carnegie Branch Library elevator from the basement to the 2nd floor is not operational. Please ask a staff member if you need assistance. The branch will close for renovations May 6. Find out more.

The Library

thelibrary.org Springfield-Greene County Library District Springfield, Missouri
Books & Authors

Historically Fashionable

 

The Complete Book of Fashion History : A Stylish Journey Through History and the Ultimate Guide for Being Fashionable in Every Era by Jana Sedlackova

From the animal furs of prehistory to the golden crowns of Ancient Egypt, The Complete Book of Fashion History explores world history and culture through the lens of fashion!

 

 

 

 

Dress Codes : How the Laws of Fashion Made History by Richard Thompson Ford

A law professor and cultural critic offers an eye-opening exploration of the laws of fashion throughout history, from the middle ages to the present day, examining the canons, mores and customs of clothing rules that we often take for granted.

 

 

 

 

Fashion Rebels : Style Icons Who Changed the World Through Fashion by Carlyn Cerniglia Beccia

Get to know the women who've wielded the power of fashion and brought about change with this illustrated biography that features twenty-five of history's most influential fashion icons.

 

 

 

Models of Influence : 50 Women Who Reset the Course of Fashion by Nigel Barker

Interweaving 200 gorgeous photographs and informative and entertaining anecdotes, Models of Influence profiles 50 women who have made an unforgettable impression on fashion, the modeling industry, and our notions of beauty. Eight chronological chapters, each of which spotlight an era, feature the stories and images of women who made their mark.

 

 

 

100 Unforgettable Dresses by Hal Rubenstein

Filled with the stories, secrets, intrigue, and insights behind the most indelible dresses in our collective memories. Featuring looks from the runway, film, television, the red carpet, and the worlds of royalty and politics, this book celebrates the staying power of these gorgeous, sleek, sultry, and outrageous creations as well as the lasting impact they've had in fashion, popular culture, and our own lives.

 

 

 

Killer Style : How Fashion Has Injured, Maimed, & Murdered Through History by Serah-Marie McMahon & Alison Matthews David

Equal parts fab and frightening, Killer Style explores the ways in which make-up, clothing, and accessories have killed, maimed, or tormented those who wear and make them. From the story of hatters felled by mercury poisoning to tulle-burnt ballerinas to the victims of the modern craze for sandblasted denim, no one is safe from these crimes of fashion.

 

 

The Lost Art of Dress : The Women Who Once Made America Stylish by Linda Przybyszewski

"The Lost Art of Dress" explores how, in the first half of the 20th century, a remarkable group of women, whom Przybyszewski calls the Dress Doctors, taught Americans how to dress well and spearheaded a nationwide movement toward beautiful, economical, and egalitarian fashion. By the 1960s, however, the reign of the Dress Doctors was coming to an end. During the 70's and 80's, the rejection of the Dress Doctors went even further, as feminist groups targeted Home Economics classes in schools as examples of society's pervasive sexism. 

 

The Fashion Book by Alexandra Black

The Fashion Book is an ideal introduction to the world of fashion. Learn about its history and how it has translated into the works of modern-day designers. Explore numerous styles, and get to know about the origins of what we wear and why.

 

 

 

 

Tim Gunn's Fashion Bible : The Fascinating History of Everything in Your Closet by Tim Gunn with Ada Calhoun

With the candidness, intelligence, and charm that made him a household name on Project Runway, Tim Gunn reveals the fascinating story behind each article of clothing dating back to ancient times, in a book that reads like a walking tour from museum to closet with Tim at your side. From Cleopatra's crown to Helen of Troy's sandals, from Queen Victoria's corset to Madonna's cone bra, Dynasty's power suits to Hillary Clinton's pantsuits, Tim Gunn's Fashion Bible takes you on a runway-ready journey through the highs and lows of fashion history.

 

Fashion : The Definitive History of Costume and Style

From simple to sophisticated, elegant to excessive, what we wear says who we are. "Fashion" is the ultimate visual guide to everything ever worn. From the extravagance of Ancient Egypt, through the legendary fashion houses of Chanel and Dior, to the latest cutting-edge labels, this gorgeous collection of costume and dress shows how fashion reflects people and places, and captures the times in which they lived.

 

 

Find this article at