This sweeping overview of fashion and apparel covers several centuries of American history as seen through the lens of the clothes we wear—from the Native American moccasin to Manolo Blahnik's contribution to stiletto heels. Through four detailed volumes, this work delves into what people wore in various periods in our country's past and why—from hand-crafted family garments in the 1600s, to the rough clothing of slaves, to the sophisticated textile designs of the 21st century. More than 100 fashion experts and clothing historians pay tribute to the most notable garments, accessories, and people comprising design and fashion. The four volumes contain more than 800 alphabetical entries, with each volume representing a different era. Content includes fascinating information such as that beginning in 1619 through 1654, every man in Virginia was required to plant a number of mulberry trees to support the silk industry in England; what is known about the clothing of enslaved African Americans; and that there were regulations placed on clothing design during World War II. The set also includes color inserts that better communicate the visual impact of clothing and fashion across eras. "[T]he scope of materials covered is indeed impressive and more than suitable for quick reference. . . . -VERDICT For institutional fashion departments and libraries with interested patrons." -- " Library Journal " "Any library with patrons interested in these topics will find this set a valuable set to have." -- " ARBAonline " "The work is an expertly produced reference resource that will enhance collections supporting theater and apparel studies as well as programs in the humanities and social-science disciplines. Highly recommended. All libraries. All levels." -- " Choice " José Blanco F. is Associate Professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, USA. He is editor of The Meanings of Dress , 5th edition, and has contributed chapters in edited volumes including The Fashion Reader , The Handbook of Masculinity Studies , The Fashion Business Reader , and Transglobal Fashion Narratives . He has published essays in journals including Fashion Theory , Fashion , Style and Popular Culture , Critical Studies in Men's Fashion , Dress , and The Journal of Popular Culture . Heather Vaughan Lee is a historian, author, lecturer, and museum consultant who has worked in the intersecting fields of clothing and history for the last 15 years.