Collecting Fashion - by Alexandra Carl (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

An indispensable survey of the most important archival collections assembled by fashion's key players.

In order for fashion to march forward, it must possess the ability to look back. For the fashion obsessed, one's archive is surely a testament to the act of preservation and, of course, a sophisticated symbol of taste. Archives take time to build, wardrobes or storage units packed to the brim with rare, archival shoes, dresses, and handbags, some never worn, are only perfected after countless hours spent on Ebay and in the depths of obscured vintage sales. The results end up being remarkable representations of fashion history.

This book gathers the preeminent collections of archival obsessives, capturing the closets of an impressive list of fashion and design talent. Readers will get an in-depth look at Michèle Lamy's extensive Comme des Garçon archive, Sarah Andelman's covetable (and colorful) sneaker and t-shirt collection, ENDYMA's growing Helmut Lang archive, Zaha Hadid's fabulous footwear assemblage, and more. This tome, over 300 pages long, painstakingly showcases the subject's archive while showing off top-tier labels and hard-to-obtain seasons: Issey Miyake, Maison Martin Margiela, Thierry Mugler, John Galliano, and Alexander McQueen, among others, and serves as an indispensable reference for those interested in fashion history and building their own archive.

Essays throughout by leading thinkers and writers provide insightful commentary alongside each collection featured in this new, enlightening fashion bible.

Review Quotes

"Some people collect art, some people collect Comme des Garçon clothes. This book's for the latter. The tome explores the impressive archives of fashion's most obsessive collectors. The vivid photography showcases hard-to-find vintage Issey Miyake pieces, iconic John Galliano items, and more. 'Essays throughout by leading thinkers and writers provide insightful commentary alongside each collection featured in this new, enlightening fashion bible, ' the description reads. Consider me sold." -- WHOWHATWEAR.COM

"'What's old is new' is a phrase often used to describe fashion trends since so much of what was created in the past influences the present day. In Collecting Fashion, clothes enthusiasts obsessed with the industry (and everyone else who finds it intriguing) will have their passion ignited by the sheer magnitude and detail of this insightful survey. It features some of the most significant archival collections from a coveted group of fashion and design influencers' closets, including Michèle Lamy's expansive Comme des Garçons archive and Zaha Hadid's impressive footwear assortment. With a deep dive into the collections' history, top-tier labels, and hard-to-obtain seasons, this book spans 300 pages and also includes essays from top thinkers and writers offering keen insights to accompany each selection." -- BOSTON MAGAZINE

"Here's an indispensable survey of the most important archival collections. Assembled by fashion's key players, for the fashion-obsessed, one's archive is surely a testament to the act of preservation and, of course, a sophisticated symbol of taste. Archives take time to build, with wardrobes or storage units packed to the brim, and the results end up being remarkable representations of fashion history." -- CURATED TEXAN

About the Author

Alexandra Carl is an acclaimed fashion stylist and consultant and recipient of the British Fashion Council's New Wave Creative Award.

Angelo Flaccavento is an Italian fashion journalist, writer, and curator.

Dr. Dimitrios Tsivrikos is a noted university professor, curator, and art advisor. A pioneer in the field of psychology, he has advised and managed international contemporary art collections, and led sales with Christie's and Sotheby's.