Product Description: Death and the activities and beliefs surrounding it can teach us much about the ideals and cultures of the living. While biologically death is an end to physical life, this break is not quite so apparent in its mental and spiritual aspects...read more

An illustrated journey through the intricate details of ethnic dress, this sumptuous volume showcases an extraordinary range of traditional clothing from Central Europe, India, and the Far East. Ornate buttons, embroidered borders, architectural pleating, gold-threaded tassels: 150 color photographs, many specially commissioned, spotlight an astounding array of ornamentation, and these breathtaking close-ups are coupled with accurate line drawings of each garment's underlying structure. Arranged thematically, the chapters bring together different examples of each type of decoration from disparate cultures, and the text includes information about the ceremonial roles of much of the clothing. The latest addition to the esteemed Victoria and Albert Fashion in Detail series, this unique visual resource can be used for practical purposes by designers, students, and other style-o-philes.