Not just another book about vintage fashion, Thames & Hudson claims that Vintage Fashion Complete by Nicky Albrechtsen will be the most ambitious and comprehensive guide to vintage fashion ever produced.
It covers 432 pages and comes packed with over 1,300 illustrations from the 1930s to the 1980s, sitting alongside over 300 contextual illustrations including many of key icons of vintage, from the Ossie Clark dress made famous by David Hockney’s painting to Twiggy in the ultimate '60s mini.
To make sense of it all, the book is organised into three main sections – Decades explores the shapes and fabrics that define the look of each period, 'Elements' explores the individual components of a vintage look and 'Hallmarks' brings together the themes, from florals to animal print, and nautical chic to the Little Black Dress. In addition, each garment featured is explored 'from the viewpoint of the contemporary fashionista' looking to build ip a vintage wardrobe.
But above all, it's a reference guide, with labels from the different eras examined, from the big names to the sought-after niche makers right down to lesser-seen handmade / anonymous items.
What it doesn't cover is the (as ever) overlooked mens market. Maybe there's another book in that.
The publication date for Vintage Fashion Complete is 13th October 2014, although you can pre-order right now at Amazon for the discounted price of £43.42.
Find out more at the Amazon website
