Fashion is one of the defining features of human evolution and culture. Spanning from the first civilizations to today's most recent trends, this enlarged and updated edition analyses the importance and meaning of fashion via an in-depth approach and a rich selection of illustrations and photographs. It contains interpretative sketches and drawings of the clothes that feature in paintings and works of art to provide an overall perspective on and a comprehensive understanding of fashion. The lavish visuals, which many other titles in this field lack, truly bring the topic to life. In this book, the reader will discover the beauty and mystery of fashion throughout the ages, the roles it has played in society and the creativity and inventive power it has held throughout history.

Stefania Sposito lives and works in Milan, where she teaches art history, costume history and textile technology. She is the author of critical essays and numerous articles published in art and fashion magazines such as Filoforme, Jacquard and Moodmagazine. She organizes seminars and conferences at the international level on fabric techniques and history, conducts research projects in these fields and works with fashion and textile museums in MiIlan, Florence and Como (all in Italy) among others. Some of her designs have appeared in such magazines as Vogue Italia. She was also Chair of Textile History and Textile Goods Studies at the New Academy of Fine Arts in Milan.