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 the books on designers are recognised as the definitive work on that particular designer’s work. Also in the collection are the indepth 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.

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