Haute couture [this publication is issued in conjunction with an exposition held at The Metropolitain Museum of Art, New York, December 7, 1995 - March 24, 1996

This is a survey of the history of haute couture, from the formation of the House of Worth in mid-19th-century Paris to the major designers of the present day. The book focuses on the highly skilled crafts that are essential to the production of haute couture. Separate chapters examine tailoring techniques and finishes, weaving, draping, and the intricate decoration produced by embroiderers, feather-makers, and other craftspeople on whom couturiers rely for the execution of their ideas. [This book was originally published in 1995 and has gone out of print. This edition is a print-on-demand version of the original book.] Published To Accompany An Exhibition At The Metropolitan Museum's Costume Institute, This Appealing Book Provides A Lively Survey Of The History Of Haute Couture From Its Beginnings With The Formation Of The House Of Worth In Mid-nineteenth-century Paris To The Present-day Creations Of Fashion's Major Designers. One Section Of The Book Features A Survey Of Designs That Exemplify The Rise Of Haute Couture - That Is, Fashion Driven By The Artistic Expression Of The Designer Rather Than By The Dictates Of Clients - Including Garments Such As Poiret's Sorbet Lampshade Gown, Chanel's Little Black Dress, Dior's New Look, And Balenciaga's Sack Dress. Among The Contemporary Couturiers Featured Are Gianni Versace, Yves Saint Laurent, And Christian Lacroix. Most Of The Designs Are In The Permanent Collection Of The Metropolitan Museum Of Art And Were Photographed Especially For This Book. The Authors Have Given Special Prominence To The Highly Specialized Skills That Are The Foundation Of Haute Couture. Chapters Examine Tailoring And Dressmaking Techniques As Well As The Intricate Decoration Produced By Embroiderers, Beaders, Lace Makers, Feather Workers, And Other Craftspeople On Whom Couturiers Rely For Unique Expression Of Their Ideas. Foreword / Philippe De Montebello -- History -- Atelier -- Dressmaking -- Tailoring -- Technique -- Embrodery -- Lace And Tulle -- Featherwork. Richard Martin & Harold Koda. Issued In Conjunction With An Exhibition Held At The Metropolitan Museum Of Art, New York, December 7, 1995-march 24, 1996--t.p. Verso. Includes Index. Includes Index Of Designers: P117-118. "Published to accompany an exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum's Costume Institute, this appealing book provides a lively survey of the history of haute couture from its beginnings with the formation of the House of Worth in mid-nineteenth-century Paris to the present-day creations of fashion's major designers." "One section of the book features a survey of designs that exemplify the rise of haute couture - that is, fashion driven by the artistic expression of the designer rather than by the dictates of clients - including garments such as Poiret's "sorbet" lampshade gown, Chanel's "little black dress," Dior's New Look, and Balenciaga's sack dress. Among the contemporary couturiers featured are Gianni Versace, Yves Saint Laurent, and Christian Lacroix. Most of the designs are in the permanent collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art and were photographed especially for this book." "The authors have given special prominence to the highly specialized skills that are the foundation of haute couture. Chapters examine tailoring and dressmaking techniques as well as the intricate decoration produced by embroiderers, beaders, lace makers, feather workers, and other craftspeople on whom couturiers rely for unique expression of their ideas." --Book Jacket Published to accompany a major exhibition at The Costume Institute of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, this appealing book provides a lively survey of the history of haute couture from the formation of the House of Worth in mid-19th-century Paris to the major designers of the present day.