"Alligators, Old Mink & New Money" is a celebration of the clothes that capture our memories and imaginations, that leave their indelible stamp on each of our lives. Alison Houtte--a former fashion model who runs the beloved Brooklyn, New York, boutique Hooti Couture--knows that every article of vintage clothing has a story behind it, and she uses these items as a springboard to explore such universal topics as relationships, self-image, the bond between mothers and daughters, and that elusive thing called style.

Whether you're a flea market veteran who savors the thrill of the hunt, a couture shopper with a "Vogue" budget, or are simply drawn to the de rigueur world of vintage, "Alligators, Old Mink & New Money" offers a shopping adventure--through auctions, estate sales, flea markets, and clothing racks all over the world--to be savored, and inspired by!

Sought-after, sophisticated and versatile, the Hermes carre is wearable art that never goes out of fashion. Unveiling the history and artistry of the brand's silk accessory from the first designs in the early twentieth century to today, this fashion story includes a detailed behind-the-scenes look at the artisanship involved at the company's ateliers in France, as well as reviews on different scarf designs, colour palettes, dates of issue and rarity (the 'Grail' scarves). The book includes the collaborators who have helped in the creation of over 2,000 designs, including limited editions, anniversary and tribute scarves, with highlights from renown artists and illustrators such as Hugo Grygkar, Philippe Ledoux, Kermit Oliver and Annie Faivre (who hides a monkey in her designs). Here you will discover the fashion of scarf styles throughout the decades, how to wear and tie a scarf, and the scarf in film and popular culture, along with those who made the Hermes carre a hallmark of their own - such as Queen Elizabeth II, Grace Kelly and Jackie Kennedy Onassis.

This book presents a nostalgic look at baby and children's wear from the Victorian Era to the first half of the 20th century. It chronicles the changes in children's fashions over the decades and centuries, from the popularity of tartans and plaids in the 1880s, to Knickerbocker suits and box pleated tunics, introduced by the Victorians, to the ever popular and enduring sailor suit. Over 300 stunning, full color photographs showcase the many wonderful and unusual examples of vintage and antique children's clothing, along with detailed descriptions and pricing. From exquisite christening gowns made of cotton and silk, with beautiful embroidery and lace trimmings, to the poignancy of a baby's mourning outfit, this book is delightful and informative in its photography and historic content. It is a must have for anyone interested in the field of fashion and vintage clothing, as well as antiques and collectibles.

This book will take you on an unforgettable comic adventure through the colorful and cute imaginations of mid-century Japanese textile designers. Travel on the hem of fun and vibrant children's manga or illustration, translated into fabric designs. Over 300 images portray children, animals, and whimsical worlds, beautifully photographed to peak the interest of fabric collectors and historians, sewing enthusiasts, designers, and those who love all things Japanese. More than just an informative guide for collectors, this book paints a vivid portrait of Japanese childhood and explores the transformation of post-war Japan through changes in fabric design. Enlightening sections display images and themes, design layout and influences, design houses, and color trends. Additional chapters list manufacturers and provide photographs of their labels. A glossary of terms, care guide, and fabric resources round out this book. Whatever your interests, you'll love these magical prints and the worlds to which they'll transport you.

"What is old, is new again." Nowhere is this more evident than in the world of fashion and textile design. Vera Neumann, better known simply by her first name and distinctive signature, created clothing and textiles that are as fashionable today as they were in the 1960s and '70s when the artist was at the height of her career. Designing for the "average woman," Vera was known for her bold geometric designs and bright, splashy florals. With over 500 color photographs, this book documents Vera's vibrant scarves, blouses, dresses, sleepwear, kitchen textiles, bed linens, and dishes, some of which are shown in original packaging. Included is a biography of Vera as well as a price guide, bibliography, and shopping resources. This first-ever guide to the famous "Vera" will appeal to collectors, textile and design students, and all who love retro fashion.

Vintage clothing is a part of our style history, is an acceptable way to individualize the way we dress, and is an increasingly popular way to "go green." This reference book is an easy-to-use compilation of information for dating menswear garments using label information, textiles, styles, and other available information. It is ideal for new converts to vintage and seasoned collectors of men's and women's garments. This liberally illustrated guide, featuring labels, images from catalogs and magazines, and actual garments, is equally helpful for fashion designers, costume designers, and curators. It covers the U.S. Government regulations for manufactured clothing, garment Union information, and menswear clothing by categories and decade. In addition, this unique book presents exclusive data on ACWA Union labels and a never before seen list of denim manufacturers. Anyone with an interest in collecting, dating, and caring for vintage clothing will find this book an indispensable reference.

This is an important resource for designers, textile lovers, and African art scholars. Over 200 color photographs beautifully illustrate the mud-cloth art of the Bogolan people in Mali, Africa. Their art form, in which geometric, abstract, and semi-abstract patterns are hand painted with mud dyes on hand woven cloth, has gained enormous popularity internationally. Informative text, by noted African art historian Irwin Hersey, examines the evolving cultural role of mud-cloth art, and gives technical information about traditional methods of its production. The mud-cloth designs featured in this book come from African artists, who have depicted scenes of African village life, and exciting geometric and abstract patterns in rich earth tones. The CD included with the book contains over 200 patterns, and is compatible with most graphic, design, and editing programs.

Barkcloth was the textile of choice for window treatments, upholstery, and other household textiles of the 1930s, '40s, and '50s. This book explores barkcloth's enduring appeal in almost 300 full-color images, demonstrating its scintillating combination of pattern, texture, and color. Lovers of vintage textiles and retro-design will relish this exploration. These vintage beauties are organized by florals, tropicals, leaves, abstracts, novelty, and conversational prints. Information about dating and identifying fabrics and manufacturers, along with tips on buying, restoring, and using these ever-popular fabrics, are invaluable for any collector or dealer.

The German immigrants to Southeastern Pennsylvania developed a rich and very colorful quilting heritage after they arrived in America. This book focuses on a rare subset of that tradition--the patchwork pillowcase. If antique Pennsylvania quilts number in the thousands, patchwork pillowcases number in the hundreds. Gathered from private collectors and museums, the pillowcases presented here were made from about 1820 to 1920. Over 250 color photos showcase a huge assortment of nineteenth century printed fabrics used in both pieced and appliquA (c) pillowcases. Quilt designs range from a simple four-patch to a complex carpenter's wheel, while color schemes range from reserved red and white to bold pink and cheddar. This book will delight the quilt historian and inspire the quilt-maker.

Extensively illustrated, this is the first accessible publication on the history of tapestry in over two decades. Woven with dazzling images from history, mythology and the natural world, and breath-taking in their craftsmanship, tapestries were among the most valuable and high-status works of art available in Europe from the medieval period to the end of the eighteenth century. Over 600 historic examples hang in National Trust properties in England and Wales - the largest collection in the UK. This beautifully illustrated study by tapestry expert Helen Wyld, in association with the National Trust, offers new insights into these works, from the complex themes embedded in their imagery, to long-forgotten practices of sacred significance and ritual use. The range of historical, mythological and pastoral themes that recur across the centuries is explored, while the importance of the 'revival' of tapestry from the late nineteenth century is considered in detail for the first time. Although focussed on the National Trust's collection, this book offers a fresh perspective on the history of tapestry across Europe. Both the tapestry specialist and the keen art-history enthusiast can find a wealth of information here about woven wall hangings and furnishings, including methods of production, purchase and distribution, evolving techniques and technologies, the changing trends of subject matter across time, and how tapestries have been collected, used and displayed in British country houses across the centuries.

Rug hooking is an art form that's a joy to create. Over 570 color photographs chronicle a wide variety of rugs being hooked today, putting to rest any notion that no one hooks rugs anymore. Contemporary hooking artists from all over the U.S., Canada, and beyond present hooked abstract designs, animals, commemorative pieces, landscapes, portraits, nautical themes, traditional patterns, and primitive styles. They include more than floor coverings; some are wall hangings and others hooked furniture. See humorous rugs, sentimental tributes to places and people, designs adapted from photographs and famous paintings, fantasy subjects, and much more. Of interest to collectors, textile artists, and dealers. Be inspired to join this growing creative outlet!

We hate to name drop, but this beautiful book features the top manufacturers and designers of kitchen towels from the 1930s to the 1960s! From the delightful fruit and floral patterns of Wilendur, Startex, and Martex, to the wonderful whimsical designs of Broderie, Bucilla, and JS&S, a visual feast of color and design is presented here. Vintage towels are small art canvases -- easily afforded, easily cleaned, and easily displayed. Hundreds of different designs can be collected in a small space and at minimal cost. It is no wonder, then, that their popularity has risen in recent years to make them one of the hottest textile collectibles! Called by various names -- tea towels, dish towels, kitchen towels, utility towels, work towels and hand towels -- these irresistible charmers are showcased here in over 490 color photos. Previously unpublished information about some of the era's top-name textile artists is featured in a special designer section and a must-read cleaning and storage chapter provides tips that will add decades to the lives of vintage textiles. Measurements, current values, a helpful glossary, and manufacturers list are all included.

Whimsical household linens and handkerchiefs of the 20th century, most from the "fun linen" period after World War II and through the 1960s, fill this book. The authors' selection criteria was simple: the linens must be collectible, cheerful, and fun! Shown in outstanding color photographs are eye-catching tablecloths, napkins, placemats, runners, towels, doilies, potholders, bedspreads, pillowcases, curtains, laundry bags, and aprons. Organized by subject matter and accompanied by fascinating historical information, they reflect American society during a period of rapid change. Included are many examples of embroidered, crocheted, and hand-painted linens, as well as wonderful signed and unsigned printed pieces. The designs include those by early, pre-World War II proponents of the "fun linen" look, such as Tony Sarg and Tom Lamb. To aid collectors, the authors offer tips for finding and purchasing fun linens, newly discovered information about some of the textile designers featured, and current values. These popular and charming keepsakes are guaranteed to put a smile on your face!

During her 40-year career, Margit Koppendorfer has designed costumes for the greats of theatre history: characters from Shakespeare, Brecht, and Handke, directed by Berghaus, Peymann, and Tabori, performed in Vienna, Zurich, and Berlin. Margit Koppendorfer: Costume Designs presents Koppendorfer's often life-sized mixed-media design sketches on transparent paper and reveals through these unique illustrations how the costume designer accords identity to the characters. By alienating the real in a visionary way, a latent truth emerges. While author Elfriede Jelinek and actress Maria Happel emphasise in their texts the masterful embodiment of the costumes, and of their characters, Margit Koppendorfer herself says of her work, "I dance into the set with my characters." Text in English and German.

This wonderful book contains stunning images of 540 rugs crafted by 292 of today's contemporary rug hooking artists. They are rugs made by a group of artists exploring a common theme, as well as series or topic-related rugs by individual artists. Among the many subjects included are rugs from The American Folk Art Museum's "Icons of America" contest, "Circus Train" rugs from the Green Mountain Rug Hooking Guild, "Art Hits the Wall," from a Canadian fiber exhibit, "A Boy From Orient" by Gail Horton, and many more. Showcased are some of today's most noted rug hooking artists, along with artists making their debuts. Inspiring for all levels of fiber artists, this is a must-have book and a companion to Contemporary Hooked Rugs: Themes and Memories, also by Linda Rae Coughlin.

Fans--they are mysterious and magical, and have been elevated to an art form by the great artists and decorators. They can be viewed as a tangible extension of femininity, style, and elegance. This book tells the fascinating tale of the fan as both a charming fashion accessory and a sophisticated mirror reflecting the changes in fashion and culture over time. Covering medieval times to the twentieth century, individual chapters trace the history of fans and their relationship to the major fashion trends of each era. Over 255 images, including dramatic original photos as well as historical illustrations, showcase fans made of paper, silk, lace, wood, celluloid, feathers, and more. Different shapes and styles of fans are featured, including fixed, pleated, and brise fans, souvenir fans, even several restored fans shown in "before and after" photos. An outstanding resource for fashion historians, students, designers, collectors, and aficionados, this unique study of the fan and its relationship to fashion will be of great interest to anyone who appreciates beautiful clothing and beautiful accessories.

The most ingenious and ephemeral of textiles, lace ispresented as the poetry of fashion. Here is a fascinating glimpse into this extraordinary art form and its role in our culture presented with over 225 pictures, including dramatic original photographs as well as historical illustrations, to portray various types of lace and lace garments from different periods. This is a delightful journey through the history of a celebrated ornament of fashion. An outstanding resource for fashion historians, designers, collectors, students, and aficionados, this unique study will be cherished by all who appreciate beautiful clothing and fabrics.

This new book anticipates Virginia's 400th anniversary in 2007 by presenting over 270 beautiful historic quilts and ephemera in over 430 color and vintage photographs. From quilted armor of the 17th century to crazy quilts of the 19th century, these personal family and museum treasures include homespun work of slaves and fancy work of freed women and First Ladies. The eight Virginia-born U.S. presidents are each represented here, with work from George Washington's great great grandmother to quilting by Mrs. Woodrow Wilson. The contents derive from the study of more than 3,000 quilts statewide that were meticulously examined by the Virginia Consortium of Quilters' Documentation Project. This book is an important contribution to quilting history and Virginia heritage, and will be inspirational today for enthusiastic sewers everywhere.

The antique beaded bag is a most exquisite and sought-after vintage collectible. Over 600 detailed color photographs display hundreds of mostly European (French, Italian, Austrian, and Czechoslovakian) handbags, many never before published, including Miser, American Indian, embroidered, drawstring, framed, scenic, Bohemian, and cut steel, with information on care, history, and design techniques, and close-up photographs of the intricate beadwork. Detailed captions, a current value guide, a comprehensive bibliography, and an index guarantee this to be the ultimate collector's guide to vintage handbag fashion design.

A comprehensive study of walking canes from around the world, dating from the distant past to the modern-day. The book presents a historical context on both practical and ceremonial usage. At the same time, specially shot pictures showcase the celebrated A&D Collection of canes, while enlightening prose demonstrates the cane's enduring relevance to society. More than just a mobility aid, the cane has held numerous offices of significance. From the staff of the legendary Monkey King in the classic Chinese Journey to the West, or the stylised crosiers carried by high-ranking prelates from the Roman Catholic church, to the truncheon wielded by Mr Punch in puppet shows, canes are embedded in the culture of almost every country around the globe. Roving the map with one hand and thumbing through history books with the other, A Virtual History of Walking Canes and Sticks seeks not only to introduce the collector to the diverse wealth of canes available but also to entertain the casual reader. Intermingled with over 800 full-colour pictures are descriptions of gadget canes for tradesmen, squirting canes for pranksters, and glamorous Art Nouveau canes for the dapper gentlemen of the '20s. Informative and meticulously researched, this book paves an accessible route into a niche subject while paying homage to our ongoing relationship with canes. This story stretches back as far as history itself.

Over the years, various garments have become increasingly popular collectible items as they grant insight into the cultures in which they were made. Collectors who love the sand, sun, and surf will delight in this extraordinary guide to handsome Hawaiian clothing. Filled with over 460 beautiful photos, this book gives a historical account of Hawai`i's fashion industry and its effect on the Western world. Unique island designs, exotic fabrics, and traditional garments--including the holoku and mu`umu`u--are all included within this spectacular display of Hawaiian paradise. Generations of tourists to Hawai`i will enjoy the explanations of clothing designs unique to the islands, and designers will find this an invaluable and inspiring reference tool.

In the past ten years, antique textiles, especially those from France, have become very popular for interior decoration. In her easy-to-read style, the author gives a basic history of French textiles from the Middle Ages to Art DA (c)co. 416 beautiful color photographs demonstrate traditional and contemporary uses for tapestries, cottons, linens, laces, embroidery, needlepoint, and trims. Suggestions are given for their use in contemporary interior and home dA (c)cor. Answers to frequently asked questions are very helpful to the novice and connoisseur alike. The clearly stated text explains how to recognize these fabrics in the marketplace and what to look for when purchasing them. A range of values for the examples shown reflects the current antiques market. \nThis is a book for the general public as well as for designers. Readers will gain the confidence to add a creative touch or note of elegance to their decorations and designs with antique textiles.

This beautifully illustrated book showcases over 300 elegantly designed paisley shawls woven in the Victorian era from 1830 through the early twentieth century. Shown in rich full color are the distinctive scrolled leaf designs on shawls of various sizes and fabric types from India, Scotland, France, Ireland, England, Italy, and Holland. The book is divided into two main sections: the first devoted to very long shawls and the second devoted to square and various size shawls. All feature intricate patterns and fine workmanship; many are rare, museum quality shawls. Includes an overview of shawl types and tips for selecting, cleaning, and storing shawls. This book is an invaluable tool for identifying the origins, dates, and values of paisley shawls. A must for vintage textile buyers, sellers, and collectors.

Revealed here are children's and women's clothing, including undergarments, leisurewear, and street apparel from 1860 to 1900. Over 270 photographs combine with text to enable accurate dating of clothing to within a three- to seven-year time frame. Nineteenth century photographs are supplemented by surviving examples of period clothing, many picturing both the outside and inner construction. The text is based on Victorian fashion, medical, etiquette, and advice literature and reveals the often-surprising reasons females were willing to become such devoted slaves to dress, as well as the impact dress had upon their lives and health. This well-researched book also explores the constraints of childhood during this era, which lends valuable insight into women's acceptance of nonsensical fashions as adults. Endnotes are included.

A beautiful, practical introduction to Oriental carpets for laymen, designers, and collectors, presented from the perspective of a successful, third-generation wholesaler. Using concise text, over 370 vivid color photographs, and more than 45 detailed line drawings, J.R. Azizollahoff explains the complexities, intricacies and irregularities in old handmade carpets and identifies the more important rug types. The combined text, photographs and drawings also bring to light what dealers look for and examine when evaluating an antique carpet. Also provided is a look at new carpets, which gives the reader a glimpse of the wonderful energy and creativity to be found in modern rugs. Approximate values, newly revised to reflect current prices, are included with the photographs as a helpful guide for consumers and collectors. The book's bibliography provides useful listings for further research.