The most ambitious and comprehensive book on womens vintage fashion ever published featuring over 1000 garments dating from the 1920s to the 1980s. This is not just another history of fashion it is a survey of how fashion past continues to inspire fashion present. It features over 1000 standout pieces together with over 300 contextual illustrations dating from the 1920s to the 1980s including many icons of vintage fashion from Marilyn Monroes bra to the Ossie Clark dress made so famous by David Hockneys painting. Each garment is explored from the viewpoint of the contemporary fashionista looking to build a vintage wardrobe. The book is organized into three main sections. Decades explores the shapes and fabrics that define the look of each period. Elements explores the individual components of a vintage look everything from hat to shoes. Hallmarks explores fashions perennial themes from florals to the everpopular Little Black Dress. Finally a reference section includes invaluable practical advice for fans and collectors of vintage.