Roland Barthes was one of the most widely influential thinkers of the 20th Century and his immensely popular and readable writings have covered topics ranging from wrestling to photography. The semiotic power of fashion and clothing were of perennial interest to Barthes and The Language of Fashion - now available in the Bloomsbury Revelations series - collects some of his most important writings on these topics. Barthes' essays here range from the history of clothing to the cultural importance of Coco Chanel, from Hippy style in Morocco to the figure of the dandy, from colour in fashion to the power of jewellery. Barthes' acute analysis and constant questioning make this book an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the cultural power of fashion.

DIVExamine the basic elements and principles of fashion design in this comprehensive reference that defines each of the basic elements. This must-have book enhances visual literacy, and inspires with dynamic and memorable visual references./div

Fashion Design, Referenced is a comprehensive guide through the art and industry of fashion design, richly illustrated with over 1,000 photographs and drawings. Within the framework of four central categories, Fashion Design, Referenced examines the many interwoven elements that form the tapestry of fashion. “Fundamentals” provides an overview of the essential structure of the fashion profession (its organization, specializations, and centers) and looks at shifts in style over time and in ever-faster cycles going forward. “Principles” introduces the steps in creating a collection, from design to production, and explores directions suggested by sustainability and technology. “Dissemination” charts the many avenues by which fashion reaches its audience, whether on the catwalk or in the store, in print or online, in the museum or on the street. “Practice” gathers and appraises the work of the most influential and innovative fashion designers of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. From its first question—What is fashion design?—to its last—What does the future hold?—Fashion Design, Referenced chronicles the scope of ideas, inspirations, and expressions that define fashion culture. Visit the Fashion Design, Referenced Facebook page and become a fan at http://www.facebook.com/FashionDesignReferenced!

On semiotics, fashion and philosophy

A dictionary to more than 10,000 words in the language of fashion, wearing apparel and accessories illustrated with 800 drawings and over 200 photographs.

This vintage book contains an exhaustive dictionary of fashion terms, with instructions for pronunciation, brief explanations, and lists of synonyms. Timeless and comprehensive, “The Language Of Fashion Dictionary And Digest Of Fabric, Sewing And Dress” will be of utility to those involved in the fashion industry, and is not to be missed by the discerning collector. Contents include: “Belts”, “Bindings”, “Blouses”, “Bobs”, “Bodices”, “Bonnets”, “Boots”, “Bows”, “Bracelets”, “Braids”, “Buckles”, “Bustles”, “Buttons”, “Buttonholes”, “Canvas”, “Caps”, “Capes”, “Checks”, “Coats”, “Collars”, “Color”, “Combs”, “Cottons”, “Crepes”, “Cuffs”, “Dots”, “Dress and Dresses”, “Dyeing”, “Embroideries”, “Eyelets”, “Fabric”, “Fancy Dress”, etc. Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this volume now in an affordable, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new introduction on the history of textiles and weaving. This book was first published in 1939.

Infinitely browsable and completely up to date, The Language Report is a collection of topical and fascinating facts and observations on today's spoken and written English. Backed by the largest language research program in the world at Oxford University Press, this new book presents an up-to-the-minute snapshot of English language today: tracking the latest new words to have entered its usage; investigating old words revived by current events in, for example, the worlds of politics and pop; and examining the most recent trends of language development. This intriguing survey covers language issues reported by the media in recent times, including memorable quotations and sayings of the year; nicknames in the news; new venues for language, such as Internet chatrooms; and controversial developments in usage and grammar. It also analyzes English around the world, uncovering the latest words and phrases to enter our vocabulary; and explores what new words were hundreds of years ago, and how they've developed or disappeared. An ideal reference for all word lovers, this new book offers a fascinating tour of the English language today.