Tracing the evolution of fashion — from the early draped fabrics of ancient times to the catwalk couture of today — Fashion: The Definitive History of Costume and Style is a stunningly illustrated guide to more than three thousand years of shifting trends and innovative developments in the world of clothing.

Containing everything you need to know about changing fashion and style — from ancient Egyptian dress to Space Age Fashion and Grunge — and information on icons like Marie Antoinette, Clara Bow, Jacqueline Kennedy, and Alexander McQueen, Fashion catalogs the history of what people wear, revealing how Western fashion has been influenced by design from around the world and celebrating costume and haute couture.

Fashion will captivate anyone interested in style — whether it's the fashion-mad teen in Tokyo, the wannabe designer in college, or the fashionista intrigued by the violent origins of the stiletto and the birth of bling.

"Ever wonder what made peplums such an enduring trend while men's powdered wigs fell by the wayside? Me too. That's why I'm obsessing over a new compendium of the history of fashion and costume from the Smithsonian. Titled Fashion; the Definitive History of Costume and Style, this massive volume covers sartorial trends from the ancient world to today. And it even includes an illustrated glossary of terms. Weighing in at 480 full-color pages, this is the guide for the fashion obsessed. So yes, I'll be ordering one right now." –The Frisky

"This voluminous volume is for anyone who loves fashion… maybe, but more for anyone who loves anthropology, sociology, history … life. This book fosters an accessible conversation with fashion, and every era has something to say — because the fabric that surrounds our bodies is indivisible from the fabric of our lives; for women especially, the two are indelibly linked." –Style Goes Strong

"Perfect for the fashion lover who wants to explore the origins of fashion and see where costume and everyday clothing intersects. It's thorough and gorgeous." –ThePorttle.com

"Whether you are a fashionista or a walking fashion faux pas, you will thoroughly enjoy this chronological look at fashion and history!" – Portland Book Review

"Whether you are a fashionista or a walking fashion faux pas, you will thoroughly enjoy this chronological look at fashion and history!" – Portland Book Review