The Hidden History of American Fashion

This book is the first in-depth exploration of the revolutionary designers who defined American fashion in its emerging years and helped build an industry with global impact, yet have been largely forgotten. Focusing on female designers, the authors reclaim a place in history for the women who created not only for celebrities and socialites, but for millions of fashion-conscious customers across the United States.

From one of America's first couturiers, Jessie Franklin Turner, to Zelda Wynn Valdes, the book captures the lost histories of the luminaries who paved the way in the world of American fashion design.

This fully illustrated collection takes us from Hollywood to Broadway, from sportswear to sustainable fashion, and explores important crossovers between film, theater, and fashion. Uncovering fascinating histories of the design pioneers we should know about, the book enlarges the prevailing narrative of fashion history and will be an important reference for fashion students, historians, costume curators, and fashion enthusiasts alike.

"[Offers] a wealth of information revealing a segment of the emergent American fashion industry that has long been overshadowed ... [The editors and contributors'] expansive research with primary sources ranging from archives and museum collections to personal interviews with designers assures the reader thorough and detailed content ... The book surely will prove to be a valuable resource for those doing research on these particular designers." --Dress: The Journal of the Costume Society of America

"With copious notes, a few photos, and lengthy bibliographies following every chapter, this volume is especially useful for fashion historians and others who want to know more about the industry in the 20th century-and the women who helped it grow." --Library Journal