This beautifully illustrated book reveals the decorative seams, refined stitching, voluptuous drapery, strict corseting, slashing, and stamping that make up some of the garments in the Victoria and Albert Museum's superlative fashion collection.

With an authoritative text, exquisite color photography of garment details, and line drawings showing the complete construction of each piece, the reader has the unique opportunity to examine up close historical clothing that is often too fragile to be on display.

It is an inspirational resource for students, collectors, designers, and anyone who is fascinated by fashion and clothing.

This new edition features an updated design, improved navigation, a comprehensive index, and an introduction that sets the examples in full historical context.