Women's History Month Titles: Three aspects of the storied history of fashion

Bentley, Toni, Costumes by Karinska (Abrams, 1st. ed, 1995). ISBN 0-8109-3516-3. A leading New York ballerina’s survey of the work of the Russian emigre designer Barbara Karinska (1886-1983). Though she won the 1948 Academy Award for dressing Ingrid Bergman in Joan of Arc, Karinska’s lasting fame came from her decades as the design muse of choreographer George Balanchine, who died a month before her. 192 pp, folio, lavishly illustrated, with an introduction by Edward Gorey and an essay by Lincoln Kirstein. Fine condition, hardcover, with unclipped dust jacket. HBB price: $350 or best offer.

Leisch, Juanita, Who Wore What? Women’s Wear, 1861-1865 (Thomas Publications, 1st ed. 1995). ISBN 0-93961-81-4. Leisch’s well-illustrated study considers the fallacy- long perpetuated by film and television- that women of the Civil War era pretty much all wore the same outfits. Using tens of thousands of period photos and illustrated cartes des visites, Leisch breaks down wardrobe choices by age, rural v. urban, jewelry choices, outerwear, hats, and a variety of other accouterments. Fascinating!  This book has become a standard reference in Hollywood and the war re-enactor communities. Quarto, 116 pp. Hardcover, no dust jacket as issued. Inscribed on the title page in 1996. Very good condition. HBB price: $95 or best offer.

Dreher, Denise, From the Neck up: An Illustrated Guide to Hatmaking (Madhatter Press, 1st ed., 1981). ISBN 0-941082-00-8. Softcover,spiral bound modern version of the ladies’ home guides of the 19th century. “Even if you have never held a needle and thread before, you can, through careful application of the lessons, make a complete hat either with or without the aid of a sewing machine,” the book promises. 199 pp. with many 19th century and photographic illustrations. Light wear. Good condition. HBB price $19.95.

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