Dressed in black
By: [text by] Valerie Mendes ; photography by Richard Davis.
Contributors: Mendes, Valerie D.; Davis, Richard, 1960-
Publisher: Abrams
Published: 1999
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 144
Subjects: Evening gowns -- History -- 20th century; Dresses -- History -- 20th century; Color in clothing -- History -- 20th century; Fashion design -- History -- 20th century
Description: "This book celebrates that extraordinary and enduring fashion phenomenon, the little black dress." "The black dress is a fashion essential that comes in many guises: smart day wear, chic and understated; flamboyant evening confections of lace and feathers, tulle, velvet, and satin; "street style" outfits that signify rebellion and youth. This book features a variety of innovators from Dior, Balmain, and Balenciaga to Armani, Calvin Klein, and Vivienne Westwood.".

"Specially commissioned photographs add panache to this book. Fashion enthusiasts will be fascinated by the evolution of the black dress, from the elegance of the early twentieth century through the ground breaking, image-changing ideas that brought us the New Look, the sack, the mini, and avant-garde designs of the present decade. The text explodes a number of myths and provides a chronicle of twentieth-century fashion as seen from a single and compelling perspective."--BOOK JACKET.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 140-141) and index.
"V&A Publications in association with Harry N. Abrams, Inc., publishers."