Fashion Art Works 1715 to Today

Fashion-Art-Works offers an opulent introduction to the Berliner Kunstgewerbemuseum costume collection and is published on the occasion of the November 2014 reopening of the Kunstgewerbemuseum at the Kulturforum Berlin. The Kamer/Ruf collection of international costumes, acquired in 2003, as well as stylish highlights from the early 18th century up to the end of the 20th century, are at the heart of this catalogue of selected holdings. Accessories, the fashionable accoutrements that--from hats to shoes--are indispensable aspects of the style of the respective pieces, are equally as important as the ladies' gowns and men's suits. Each item has been artistically documented in photographs and introduced with clear descriptions. These tell the story of the last three decades of European costume. A detailed article additionally explains the design and manufacture of the figurines, which were individually created for each item.

Christine Waidenschlager is curator for the collection of textiles in the Berlin Kunstgewerbemuseum. She has published several books and catalogues about fashion of the past and the present.