The period of Tudor rule in England (1485-1603) marked the appearance of an unprecedented opulence in fashions worn by royalty and members of the nobility; with social rank often reflected in attire. This monumental study by a brilliant and imaginative scholar examines that colorful period in fashion history; from the reign of Henry VII through that of Elizabeth I.Because continental fashions heavily influenced clothing styles of the English nobility; the text includes brief introductory reviews of garments worn in France; Italy; Spain; and Germany. Each chapter focuses on costumes of a particular period; meticulously delineating not only the elegance of court dress but also describing the quotidian garments of the middle and lower classes mdash; from tradespeople and common sailors to the peasantry and even court jesters. In addition to investigating an extraordinarily wide range of fashionable garb; the author meticulously describes elaborate headgear; hairstyles; jewelry; collars; footwear; and other wardrobe accessories.Composed of two books bound as one; this carefully researched and profusely illustrated volume includes 1;000 black-and-white figures (including diagrams showing the construction of various garments and head coverings); 24 halftones; and 22 full-color plates; nearly all taken from contemporary sources; which enliven this authoritative and exhaustive study of period clothing; an indispensable resource for fashion designers and historians and a dazzling pageant of living history for the general reader.
#1048012 in eBooks 2012-08-21 2012-08-21File Name: B00CWR4PL4
Review
19 of 20 people found the following review helpful. Creative; great knitting architecture; but not for meBy RBBIts clear that a lot of thought and effort went into this book. It takes knitting shapes and techniques beyond the ordinary; yet manages to maintain tastefulness and style. It would be a source of inspiration and a good jumping-off point for someone who wanted to take an adventurous approach to garment creation. Fifteen years ago; Id have kept this book as a resource in my huge knitting library. I realized as I went through it; though; that I am now unlikely to venture into these unusual shapes; certainly not to wear myself. They would be wonderful for a younger generation; and I applaud the authors work. I am returning the book because its not right for ME; it will surely be wonderful for others. My star rating is because it really is an excellent book; in my opinion.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Avante-Garde Knitting Patterns Not For Blending In the CrowdBy ColorgirlI was not expecting to like this book as much as I do. There are a lot of unique and unusual items in here to knit. I enjoy the challenge of making something unusual that is interesting; but it is not always easy to find patterns of the Avante-garde type of style that I like to make.This book has things in it which inspire me and make me want to knit. The designs are interesting; seem to work well on small or larger people (a BIG plus) and would be easy to work with store yarn; hand dyed yarn; or handspun yarn as well. I really enjoy this book and it is in the part of my collection for MUST make instead of a coffee table book or a book which I look at occasionally but never do anything with.I would say that this book would appeal to people who like to make very unusual but wearable things; but would not appeal to traditional knitters or those who prefer not to stand out in the crowd with Avant-garde style but prefer to make more classic things with different yarns.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Inspirational!By PaulineDisclosure - Im an Epstein fan from way back. Im biased. Her designs go right up to the edge; elaborately ornamented; but still within bounds. They make a statement with a practical underpinningFor instance; an adorable cabled sweater has tabs dangling around the hem and the cuffs; charming; but sure to get yucky in the kitchen; so Id leave off the cuff tabs or maybe just shorten them. All her designs come with suggestions for customizing;and thats one of the things I love about this book. Or knit them as is. The cover sweater keeps growing on me. I want it! But Ill.probably never make it; though I might steal the lattice pattern or Fair Isle pattern to incorporate in her On the Block Topper; a capelet made of four squares with optional neck treatments. Simple and so very clever. Its going to be all over the internet this fall.So get this book; follow her instructions; adapt them;; or use her patterns as an inspirational springboard for your own creations. Wouldnt one panel from her first lacy shawl make a great table runner?