The Dictionary of Fashion History - Essential Reference for Designers

In this review of The Dictionary of Fashion History the bottom line is clear: this is an indispensable reference for anyone working with historical costume or fashion research. The new edition updates the landmark work of C. Willett Cunnington, Phillis Cunnington and Valerie Cumming, and its single biggest reason to buy is the breadth of concise, authoritative entries that answer practical questions - from what an Apollo knot is to who wore a Welch wig. For researchers, designers, curators and students, this volume saves time by gathering specialized terminology and period context in one accessible book.

Key Features

• Comprehensive entries: The dictionary collects concise definitions of garments, hairstyles and accessories so readers can quickly identify period details.
• Updated edition: This edition revises and extends the classic text to reflect more recent scholarship and usage, benefiting contemporary researchers.
• Practical historical context: Brief contextual notes explain when items like Zouave jackets were fashionable, helping designers place elements in time.
• Authoritative contributors: Draws on the work and scholarship of C. Willett Cunnington, Phillis Cunnington and Valerie Cumming to offer reliable citations and terminology.
• Useful for visual reference: The book supports costume study and design decision making by consolidating terms that appear in period plates, paintings and catalogs.
• Compact reference format: Arranged for quick lookup so it fits easily on a studio bookshelf or research desk.

Who It's For

Fashion students, costume designers and museum professionals will find the dictionary particularly valuable as a go-to reference when identifying period clothing and hairstyling terms. Its concise entries make it practical for quick verification during design work or label research.

Scholars and nontechnical readers who want in-depth essays might look elsewhere for long-form analysis, since this work is designed as a dictionary rather than a narrative history. However, anyone needing reliable definitions and dating cues for commercial or academic projects will benefit greatly.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Wide coverage of historical fashion terms makes it useful across many eras and specialisms.
• Updated content preserves the classic authority while adding contemporary corrections and additions.
• Concise, lookup-friendly format speeds research and practical design work.
• Authorship and editorial pedigree lend confidence to the entries and dates provided.

Cons

• As a dictionary, it provides concise entries rather than long interpretive essays, so readers seeking deep narrative may need supplementary texts.

Specifications

Title	The Dictionary of Fashion History
Authors	Valerie Cumming, C. W. Cunnington, P. E. Cunnington
Edition	New edition (updated)
Category	Books - Fashion History / Design reference
Use case	Reference for costume, design, museum and academic research
Content style	Concise dictionary entries with historical context

Our Verdict

The Dictionary of Fashion History is a high-value reference for designers, curators and students who need accurate, concise definitions and dating cues. Its updated edition and authoritative authorship make it a smart purchase for anyone who regularly researches historical dress or needs a reliable lookup tool in a professional studio.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this edition update earlier versions?
Yes, the new edition further updates the landmark work to reflect corrected entries and additional scholarship.

Who are the authors?
The book is based on scholarship by Valerie Cumming and the Cunningtons, C. Willett and Phillis, who compiled authoritative fashion terminology.

Is this a good reference for costume design?
Yes, its concise entries and dating notes make it particularly useful for costume designers and researchers doing period-accurate work.