The History Of Costume Books

Costume books, which are, simply, a collection of etching or woodcuts reflecting persons in various native dress from around the world have historically received very little attention in recent scholarship. Few scholars address the decorative tendencies associated with early renaissance costumes, and very few studies attempt to extend the definition of indigenous dress beyond the boundaries of Europe. Despite this lack of research, costume books continue to be important resources for researchers interested in cultural diversity, gender, and power dynamics in dress. Additionally, these publications offer a unique and valuable perspective on the social construction of gender in eighteenth-century European societies.

One genre of costume books features a variety of popular costumes worn by European women during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (and her close confidants) during the 16th century. These publications also focus on the more popular ones – the more popular costumes being those that are most closely associated with the fashion trends of the time. Two such popular costumes that appear frequently in costume books include the Scottish Highlanders’ ceremonial cloak and the Italian razzle-dazzle. While one would expect a book about popular costumes to focus on the most popular ones, some researchers have noted a tendency towards either a lack of interest in costumes that are considered radical or a desire to simplify European dress styles to promote uniformity.

Some of the earliest accounts of dress in Europe – accounts dating back to ancient Egypt and Greece – suggest that the use of clothing as a social device has been in existence for centuries. Furthermore, a look at how costumes change throughout the years can shed light on the various changes in dress that have occurred throughout the history of dress. A costume book can serve as an interesting source for students of historical dress, as well as for anyone interested in a fascinating glimpse of how the fashion industry has developed over time.