Costume collection
A unique collection at Chelsea Library
Chelsea Reference Library has a fantastic collection of books
focusing on fashion and costume, including a large archive of
magazines.
This extensive collection has recently been updated with a large
number of new books.
It now represents a wonderful source of ideas, information and
practical advice on the subject of costume and fashion from the
earliest times to the present, and looking into the future.
We have books on:
- the history of costume from its earliest times
- historical and national dress of different countries including
tribal costume
- dress associated with particular events such as weddings,
coronations and festivals
- occupational dress
- millitary dress - both current and historical
- stage costume
- books on different 20th century designers
- accessories - jewellery, fans, shoes, buttons, gloves, hats,
glasses etc
We have a wide range of books on the history of twentieth
century dress, including books on designers, many of which are
recognised as the definitive work on that particular designer’s
work. Also in the collection are the in-depth studies of a
particular mode of dress throughout a period, and books
specifically dedicated to either male or female costume.
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea has been the place
of birth of some of the major movements in the world of fashion –
punk era, for example, started on King’s Road just ouitside our
front door. The borough has also been home to several designers
whose work and reputation are recognised world-wide, such as Ossie
Clark, Mary Quant, "Biba" (Barbara Hulanicki) and Vivienne
Westwood.
The collection is too large for the open shelves in the library
and there are many hidden treasures stored in our stores. These
items are available to the public - just ask a member of staff to
retrieve the book for you.
Fashion magazines
The library also holds magazines dedicated to contemporary
dress, such as:
- Vogue - issues from as early as the 1920s
- Vanity Fair
- L'Officiel
- Tailor and Cutter
- Manufacturing Clothier
- La Belle Assemblee
- The Ladies' Cabinet - depicted contemporary fashion of the day
in the nineteenth century
If you are a researcher, student of dress or just interested for
pleasure, our contemporary and historical collection, used in
conjunction with that of the nearby Victoria and Albert Museum in
South Kensington, is a first class archive.