Auguste Racinet. The Costume History by Françoise Tétart-Vittu.

Racinet's Costume History is an invaluable reference for students, designers, artists, illustrators, and historians; and a rich source of inspiration for anyone with an interest in clothing and style. Originally published in France between 1876 and 1888, Auguste Racinet’s Le Costume historique was in its day the most wide-ranging and incisive study of clothing ever attempted.

Covering the world history of costume, dress, and style from antiquity through to the end of the 19th century, the six volume work remains completely unique in its scope and detail. “Some books just scream out to be bought; this is one of them.” ― Vogue.com

A quadriga. Greek-Roman Gods. The ancient greek-roman culture.

quadriga, greek-roman, Gods, culture,
A quadriga. Greek-Roman Gods

The ancient greek-roman culture.

GREECE AND ROME

No. 1. A quadriga with a couple declared by some to be Paris and Helena, by others as Pelops and Hippodamia. While some would like to see Helen kidnapped by Paris wearing the Phrygian cap, others rely on the tradition according to which Oinomaos, the father of Hippodamia, gave his daughter’s suitors in the chariot race to confuse them with her beauty.

Pelops was also a Phrygian. The shape of the carriage is the one which was common at the Olympic competitions. While the wheel of the Homeric chariot is described as eight-spoke, on the monuments, especially on the vase pictures, wheels with four spokes can be seen almost throughout. According to a clay relief in the British Museum.

No. 2. Sitting muse after a relief from the former Piranesi collection.

Nos. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7: Five gods (Juno, Jupiter, Venus, Mars, Diana) from the marble fountain in the Capitoline Museum in Rome, on which twelve gods (besides the aforementioned, Vulcan, Neptune, Mercury, Vesta, Minerva, Apollo, Hercules) are solemnly represented. A work in the so-called: archaic style.

After Lorenzo Roecheggiani, Raccolta di cento tavole rappresentanti i costumi religiosi, civili e militari degli antichi Egizziani, Etruschi, Greci e Romani, tratti di antichi bassirilievi, Roma 1804.

Source: History of the costume in chronological development by Albert Charles Auguste Racinet. Edited by Adolf Rosenberg. Berlin 1888.

Roman Clothing and Fashion by Alexandra Croom.

In this richly illustrated survey, Alexandra Croom describes the range and style of clothing worn throughout the Western Empire and shows how fashions changed between the first and the sixth centuries.

Illustration, damasks, ornament
Ancient Greece
Greek Statue of Pallas Athena wearing the peplos and diploidion.

Greek Statue of Pallas Athena wearing the peplos and diploidion.

Pallas Athene. The peplos and diploidion, and the Gorgoned aegis extended as a covering to the arm that holds the…

Note:  The great state robe. General fashion types. France 1775-1785.

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Auguste Racinet. The Costume History by Françoise Tétart-Vittu.

Racinet's Costume History is an invaluable reference for students, designers, artists, illustrators, and historians; and a rich source of inspiration for anyone with an interest in clothing and style. Originally published in France between 1876 and 1888, Auguste Racinet’s Le Costume historique was in its day the most wide-ranging and incisive study of clothing ever attempted.

Covering the world history of costume, dress, and style from antiquity through to the end of the 19th century, the six volume work remains completely unique in its scope and detail. “Some books just scream out to be bought; this is one of them.” ― Vogue.com

The Fabric of Civilization: How Textiles Made the World Paperback – December 7, 2021
by Virginia Postrel (Author)

From Neanderthal string to 3D knitting, an “expansive” global history that highlights “how textiles truly changed the world” (Wall Street Journal)


FASHIONPEDIA
Fashionpedia - The Visual Dictionary Of Fashion Design

Fashionpedia - The Visual Dictionary Of Fashion Design

FASHIONPEDIA is a visual fashion dictionary covering all the technical terms from style to material to production with illustrations and infographics. It encompasses rich, extensive information and yet is easy to read. Whether you are an industry insider or a fashion connoisseur, FASHIONPEDIA is all you will ever need to navigate the fashion scene.


Textilepedia. The Complete Fabric Guide.

The Textile Manual is an encyclopaedia of textile information, from material to yarn, from fabric structure to the finishing process. Encompassing practical tips for a range of textiles and detailed visuals, this ultra-accessible manual is the perfect companion for fashion aficionados and aspiring fashion designers.