1995 Haute Couture (The Metropolitan Museum of Art)

1995 softcover book Haute Couture The Metropolitan Museum of Art by Harold Koda. “Published to accompany an exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute, this lavishly illustrated volume provides a survey of the history of haute couture (fashion driven by the artistic expression of the designer rather than the dictates of clients) from its beginnings with the formation of the House of Worth in mid-19th-century Paris to the present-day creations of fashion’s major designers. From its inception, haute couture has been closely aligned with modern art, “a fulfillment of mutually agreeing ideas that are contingent upon and wrought on the human body.” This synergism can be seen in garments such as Poiret’s “sorbet” lampshade gown, influenced by the Orientalism of the 1910s, and Chanel’s “little black dress,” the archetype of clothing’s penchant for social reversal and political change, as well as in contemporary couturiers such as Gianni Versace, whose 1995 evening gown merges old technique and new technology by manipulating industrial-weight vinyl onto a crystalline overskirt evocative of 19th-century silhouette. Authors Koda and Martin, curators at the Costume Institute, have given special prominence to technique, the workshop mastery distinguishing the couture from other visual arts. Highly recommended for all fashion collections.”

118 pages, weighing over 1 pound, in good condition– cover has slight edge and corner wear but pages are like new. This book will be shipped media mail unless Priority is requested.