The Dictionary of Fashion History- What is an earthquake gown? - Who wore eelskin masher trousers? - What did the word "dudes" mean in the 16th century? A Dictionary of English Costume by C. Willett Cunnington, Phillis Cunnington and Charles Beard was originally published in 1960. A monumental achievement and encyclopaedic in scope, it was a comprehensive catalogue of fashion terms from the mid-medieval period up to 1900. It was reissued and updated several times, for the last time in 1976. For decades it has served as a bible for costume historians. The Dictionary of Fashion History completely updates and supplements the Cunningtons' landmark work to bring it up to the present day. Featuring additional terms and revised definitions, this new edition represents an essential reference for costume historians, students of fashion history, or anyone involved in creating period costume for the theatre, film or television. It also is fascinating reading for those simply interested in the subject. Clear, concise, and meticulous in detail, this essential reference answers countless questions relating to the history of dress and adornment and promises to be a definitive guide for generations to come. |
Other editions - View all
The Dictionary of Fashion History Valerie Cumming,C. W. Cunnington,P. E. Cunnington Limited preview - 2010 |
The Dictionary of Fashion History Valerie Cumming,C. W. Cunnington,P. E. Cunnington Limited preview - 2017 |
The Dictionary of Fashion History Valerie Cumming,C. W. Cunnington,P. E. Cunnington Limited preview - 2010 |
Common terms and phrases
19th century onwards band became bobbin lace bodice bodice F bonnet F boots breeches brim buttons cambric cape cloak close-fitting cloth Period coarse coat collar colours corset cotton crêpe crinoline crown cuff decorative doublet dress F early 19th early 20th century edge embroidered Engageantes farthingale fashionable fastened fibres flap French term frock frock coat front fustian garment gloves gown hair hood hose jacket knee lace Period lapels Late 19th century leather linen loose mantle Medieval onwards men’s mid-19th century mohair morning coat muslin narrow neck needle lace originally overcoat pattern petticoat plain weave pleats pocket poplin popular resembling ribbon round ruff satin seam shape shirt shoes short shoulders side silk silk fabric skirt F sleeve F soft sometimes stripes style suit thread trimmed trousers twilled usually velvet waist waistcoat warp wear weft women wool woollen cloth worn worsted woven