The St. James Fashion Encyclopedia

The late Richard Martin, Curator of the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, was one of the fashion world's most insightful and original voices. Here, in the most thorough survey of contemporary fashion to date, he contributes numerous essays and edits the contributions of more than 40 other experts. "Fashion, " wrote Martin, "is the quintessential modern experience." A bit short on photos (heck, anyone can do pictures) but long on critical detail and never dry, doctrinaire, or uninteresting, The St. James Fashion Encyclopedia is sure to please students and fashion devotees with well-organized and information-intensive essays (complete with biographical facts) on more than 200 designers, providing a more reliable critical measure and a larger perspective than previously available. Easy to accessorize with, the Encyclopedia is a great and enthusiastic source for fashion facts and ideas.