The Hundred Dresses

Description

The dress is the last bit of femininity in our closets; it’s the only item of clothing which (most) men and women don’t share. Wearing a dress is a powerful way for women to express themselves–and every style conveys a different message. Inspired by the Eleanor Estes’ children’s classic The Hundred Dresses, Erin McKean’s classic-to-be by the same title, with chic illustrations by Donna Mehalko, is a definitive look at the dresses, vintage and modern, that make an inarguable statement about the woman who wears them.
Each evocatively illustrated entry identifies one of a hundred different dresses accompanied by a witty and informative look at the history of that particular style, famous wearers (if applicable), and what message, subtle or overt, is conveyed by the dress. Notes on where such a style could be observed and accessories of the wearer are also included.
Featured are The Wench; The Sari; The Vreeland; The Wrap; The Austen; The Beckham; The Siren (any style, as long as it’s red); The Chanel Ingenue; The Caftan; The Guinivere; The Jackie; The Slip Dress; The Biohazard (any dress dangerous to bystanders or the wearer: think Lady Gaga); and scores more. The book also includes a suggested reading list of fashion books, dresses from literature, and an index.
Part style commentary, part fashion blueprint, part clever field guide, The Hundred Dresses will ensure that no woman (or man) ever underestimates the power of the dress.

A stylishly illustrated and informative A to Z of the 100 iconic dresses–from The Bandage to The Sack, The Baby-doll to The Siren, and everything between–that have made their mark on the world.

Erin McKean is the author of the novel The Secret Lives of Dresses, inspired by her popular blog, A Dress a Day (dressaday.com), which features vintage clothes and patterns. A lexicographer by day and the founder of Wordnik.com, she has been published widely, including in the New York Times Magazine and the Boston Globe. She lives in Burlingame, California.

“A refreshing sashay through the history and pop culture of the dress.” —Chicago Tribune“ In a zippy manner, McKean distills the history of each style, names famous wearers, states the message of each dress, and suggests suitable accessories for it. Mehalko’s illustrations accomplish a lot with a splash of color and just a few lines.” —Boston Globe“Chock-full of fashion lore and visual inspiration, this alphabetized collection of 100 unforgettable silhouettes—from “The Mary Quant” to “The Chanel Jersey Dress” to, yes, “The Jersey Shore”—is catnip for fashion-history buffs.” —Elle.com“Celebrities, movie stars, literary and historic figures, you and I wear them, wore them, or want them. This wonderfully illustrated book of iconic dresses is told with wit and wisdom. It’s a joy to look at and to read.” —Ilene Beckerman, author of Love, Loss, and What I Wore
“This wonderfully illustrated book of iconic dresses is told with wit and wisdom. It’s a joy to look at and to read.” —Ilene Beckerman, author of Love, Loss, and What I Wore
“[A] chic and comprehensive guide to all things dresses. A must-read fashionistas everywhere.” —Glam.com“In Erin McKean’s frock-filled world, dresses are no mere body coverings but are the uniforms for secret lives. This glorious book sews together a story for every style and makes you look at your own wardrobe anew and wonder what adventures you should be having with your own dresses.” —Ruth Singer, author of The Sewing Bible“What a supremely witty, highly informative, and great-looking book this is! It made me want to be a woman.” —Henry Alford, author of “Would It Kill You to Stop Doing That?”: A Modern Guide to Manners“Like any 100-best list, a book of iconic dresses invites potential quibbles with its selection criteria. Yet McKean and illustrator Mehalko have created a book so charming that any critic is completely disarmed . . . . In all its delightful chattiness, the book has something intelligent to say about fashion as representation and nostalgia.” —Publishers Weekly

Additional information