100 Dresses: The Costume Institute/ The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Preface by Harold Koda, Curator of The Costume Institute, Metropolitan Museum of Art

For the first time, The Costume Institute gathers 100 of the most beautiful dresses in their extensive collection.  Featuring gowns from the 17th century to designs by Vivienne Westwood, Coco Chanel, Gianni Versace as well as many others.  The dresses featured reflect the sensibilities and excesses of each era while providing a vivid picture of how styles have changed, sometimes radically over the years.  A late 1600s wool dress with a surprising splash of silver thread; a large bustled red satin dress from the 1800's; a short, shimmering 1920's dancing dress; a glamorous 1950's cocktail dress; and a 1960's minidress, each tells a story about its period and serves as a testament to the enduring ingenuity of the fashion designer's art.  Images of the dresses are accompanied by informative text and enhanced by close-up details as well as runway photos, fashion plates, works of art, and portraits of designers.  A glossary of related terms is included.  Softcover