Silk: Fiber, Fabric, and Fashion

In this luxurious tribute to one of the world’s oldest textiles, curators Miller (Balenciaga), Lafuente, and Allen-Johnstone, all associated with London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, take a deep dive into the museum’s rich trove of silk. The authors trace the material’s cultivation, production, and trade routes dating back to 500 C.E., and describe methods of producing silk textiles (such as weaving, crocheting, and embroidering) as well as how it is dyed and printed. More than 600 images enchant, and include lovely fashion pieces by Oscar de la Renta, Dior, Balenciaga, and Alexander McQueen, as well as luxe carpets, bedroom screens, parasols, and even couture Barbie dolls. A glossary of textile terms demystifies the finer points of silk production and artistry, and there’s a reading list for those with a deep curiosity in the topic. Any fan of fashion will devour this exquisite volume. (Oct.)