From diapers to Dior, saris to serapes, the world of clothing is nearly as vast
and as ancient as the human race. Tracing the stylistic and functional threads
that unite clothing across time and cul-tures -- as well as delving into the
divergent styles and significance of apparel -- this A to Z encyclopedia is the
essential resource for exploring the relationship between culture and couture.
This broad-based set surveys clothing, body adornment, and examines the origins
of clothing, the development of fabrics and technologies, and the social meanings
of dress. It also presents information on representative costumes from a wide
variety of historical eras, which are frequently the topic of student research.
Topics range from the bustle, sari, and toga to Polyester and body piercing.
The short entries explain the history of garments (necktie, codpiece, cocktail
dress, bathing suit, burqua, Nehru jacket), techniques and manufactures (batik,
dry cleaning, zipper, stone washing), body adornment (makeup, mask, tattoo, wig),
and important persons and institutions (Coco Chanel, Edith Head, Yves Saint-
Laurent, Fashion Institute of Technology). The longer essays provide cultural
context: class, gender, sumptuary laws, costume design for stage and screen,
advertising; fashion careers; ecclesiastical dress; military uniforms; etc.

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