In America: A Lexicon of Fashion

A new glossary of American fashion explores the expressive qualities of works by pioneering designers, who established the nation’s style, and the up-and-coming designers shaping its future.

In America: A Lexicon of Fashion presents a modern vocabulary of American dress that emphasizes emotions while not discounting the simple, practical, and egalitarian character that has traditionally separated American ready-to-wear from European haute couture. Stunning new photography showcases over 100 garments from the 1940s to the present that offer a timely new perspective on the diverse and multifaceted nature of American fashion.

The catalogue features works that display qualities such as belonging, comfort, desire, exuberance, fellowship, joy, nostalgia, optimism, reverence, spontaneity, strength, and sweetness by well-known designers and emerging creatives, including:

Gilbert Adrian

Geoffrey Beene

Thom Browne

Bonnie Cashin

Willy Chavarria

Olivia Cheng

Telfar Clemens

Oscar de la Renta

Colm Dillane

Perry Ellis

Tremaine Emory

Tom Ford

Rudi Gernreich

Halston

Elizabeth Hawes

Carolina Herrera

Conner Ives

Charles James

Kerby Jean-Raymond

Donna Karan

Calvin Klein

Michael Kors

Ralph Lauren

Vera Maxwell

Claire McCardell

Norman Norell

Heron Preston

Christopher John Rogers

Raul Solís

Hillary Taymour

Diane von Furstenberg

Vera Wang