From the momentus invention of the needle some 40,000 years ago to the development of blue denim, from Neolithic weavers to the biggest names in the fashion industry today – this classic guide covers the landmarks of costume history, the forms and materials used through the ages, the underlying motives of fashion and the ways in which clothes have been used to protect, to express identity, and to attract or to influence others. This sixth edition features a new foreword and concluding chapter by Amy de la Haye. The book is brought right up to date with a discussion about the major political shifts within the fashion industry, highlighting how it has responded to issues surrounding racism and sexism; LGBTQI rights; mental health awareness; body and age diversity and global sustainability. Table of ContentsForeword • 1. How it all began • 2. Greeks and Romans • 3. Early Europe • 4. TheRenaissance and the sixteenth century • 5. The seventeenth century • 6. The eighteenthcentury • 7. From 1800 to 1850 • 8. From 1850 to 1900 • 9. From 1900 to 1939 • 10.Rationed fashion to pluralistic style • 11. At the turn of the millennium • 12. Fashionsince 2010