New York Fashion: The Evolution of American Style

If you’re interested in the history of fashion, I highly recommend this fabulous reference book by Caroline Rennolds Milbank, published by Harry N. Abrams. inc.  New York Fashion, The Evolution of American Style has got to be one of the finest books around for defining the story of American fashion.

Fashion historian Caroline Milbank weaves social and cultural events with the changes taking place in fashion from the early 19th century to the late 20th century. The rise of designers, including Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren, is charted from near obscurity to their current celebrity status.

The price new is around £77.00 GBP which is quite a considerable amount until you realise just how much information is contained in this wonderful book.   I was able to secure a ‘used’ copy for only £19.99 plus postage from www.usedbooksdirect.com (Leicester, UK) via Amazon.co.uk.  What a bargain!  I will devour the pages and enjoy this book for years to come!

Enjoy the pictures!

New York Fashion: The Evolution of American Style by Caroline Rennolds

Two-piece evening dress, made in New York circa 1856-58

1950's short evening dress by Charles James

Twelve coats designed by Helen Cookman in the mid 1940's

Sportswear designed by Tom Brigance from his 1938 Palm Beach collection.

Six variations on the chemise theme, designed by Mme Eta, a New York wholesaler, in 1923.

Wall Deco from Founder of Biba, Barbara Hulanicki

Art Nouveau inspired wallpaper from Barbara Hulanicki

If you’re looking for ways to spruce up your home this spring, why not take your inspiration from the founder of Biba, Barbara Hulanicki? Graham & Brown currently have a fabulous range of wallpapers from design legend Barbara.  These wallpapers are £30 a roll which is incredible value. The lavish Art Nouveau and Art Deco inspired wallpapers will give your home a stylish, decadent atmosphere, so evocative of the Biba look. Other designers in the Graham & Brown range include Marcel Wanders, Linda Barker and Erika Wakerly.

Barbara Hulanicki started her career in fashion as a fashion illustrator. She covered all of the important fashion collections in Europe for the major publications of the day, including Women’s Wear Daily, British Vogue, the Times, the Observer and the Sunday Times.

Hula Wallpaper from Graham & Brown

Exasperated by the disastrous street fashion in England, her husband Fitz encouraged her to design her own clothing. Biba was born and eventually, expanded into a five story art deco building, flanked by rock stars and celebrities of the day. After Biba closed its doors in 1976, she continued to work in fashion, designing for Fiorucci and Cacharel as well as her own brand in Brazil.

In the nineties she arrived in Miami Beach where she designed interiors for Ron Wood of the Rolling Stones and Chris Blackwell’s Boutique Hotel Group. She is credited with the resurrection of Miami Beachs crumbling Art Deco district.