For centuries now, black has played a dominant role in western wardrobes. Few colours have evoked such divergent connotations, from vector to death and loss to symbol of wealth, piety and even rebellion. 'Black: Masters of Black in Fashion and Costume' illustrates various phases in black's history with examples taken from painting, historical costume and contemporary fashion. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Antwerp grew to become one of the main European centres for the dyeing of textiles black. Nobles and wealthy citizens often had artists portray them dressed in black, thereby following the ever-fluctuating and fickle dictates of fashion as imposed by the leading royal court of the moment. At the beginning of the 20th century, black dominated the wardrobe of modernity, culminating in Chanel's little black dress. From the 1950's onwards, black emerges repeatedly as the colour of counter-culture, omnipresent in the wardrobe of various subcultures and intellectual currents.
This book not only explores the use of black throughout the ages but also investigates its place in contemporary fashion design, looking at the work of designers such as Yamamoto and Comme des garcons, who have all developed a special relationship with the colour black.
