A-Z of style

‘Fashion is not an inanimate object, and it is never at rest, a distinction it shares with life itself, of which it seems to be some special and significant manifestation’
James Laver, V&A curator and fashion historian, 1937 (Taste and Fashion, Harrap, p.267)

The quotations and definitions cited within this ‘quotictionary’ are drawn from non-fiction sources, mostly autobiographies by fashion designers or their clients and books by curators, fashion commentators and authorities on correct etiquette. (All sources are fully referenced). The statements date post 1850, the period which laid the foundations of today’s global fashion industry and they define fashion as it relates to women.

The criteria for inclusion was based upon wit, audacity and sometimes (to 21st century sensibilities) outrage, or for providing a succinct insight into the industry or eras passed. The emphasis is upon historical quotes which are intriguing as evidence of past lives, but also serve as a comparison by which to gage our lives today. Certain eras predominate, notably those following wars, when guidance on how to live new modern lives abound.

The terminologies of a trade, like those designers who did not create documents for future eyes, can become eclipsed with the passage of time. In order to keep these alive, various terms are defined.

Publisher's text for this book:

I don't understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little if only out of politeness. And then, you never know, maybe that's the day she has a date with destiny.' Coco Chanel

Amy de la Haye brings together the secrets of style from the worlds greatest fashion designers, their famous clients and others from the world of fashion in this delightful illustrated dictionary. Preserving the wisdom of fashions big names, from Chanel on perfume, to Dior on elegance and Schiaparelli on hats, this charming compendium is illustrated with newly commissioned line drawings of accessories and clothing from the V&As celebrated fashion collection by Emma Farrarons. A to Z of Style, a handy guide full of timeless advice, is the perfect gift for anyone with a sense of style or fun.

Amy de la Haye

Research Interests

Fashion in the context of the museum
Fashion and dress history 1850 onwards
Material culture/object-based analysis
Women's Land Army

Current Research

I am writing a book, with LCF colleague Judith Clark, on the discipline of curating fashion for Yale University Press. As a trained dress historian and museum curator I will explore history and current practice and Judith, as a qualified architect and exhibition-maker, will focus upon design and installation issues. It centres around the 1971 Cecil Beaton exhibition at the V&A. To be published 1912.

With Valerie D. Mendes, I am writing a book about the archive of the House of Worth, which is housed at the Victoria & Albert Museum. It contains evidence about the couture house’s later, and lesser known, history from the 1890s through to the 1950s and its recent revival.

I would like to develop another curatorial project, possibly on fashion in the Edwardian era.