Starting in the twentieth century, the American accessory designer looked to Europe and then said, I can do better. In a book commissioned by the Council of Fashion Designers of America and edited by Candy Pratts Price, with writing by Jessica Glasscock and Art Tavee, their achievements are revealed: a century of objects of necessity and desire poured forth to boutiques and department stores across the United States and the world. The forward-thinking American accessory designer, in collusion with America's royalty the Hollywood star and in sync with the unstoppable dominance of a rebellious popular culture, has assembled a cabinet of curiosities, including everything from Adrian s witty Hollywood hats to Ralph Lauren s all-American accoutrement to Madonna s rubber bracelets. It is a tradition that continues today with a stellar group of CFDA designers whose work exemplifies the American accessory.

Starting in the twentieth century, the American accessory designer looked to Europe and then said, I can do better. In a book commissioned by the Council of Fashion Designers of America and edited by Candy Pratts Price, with writing by Jessica Glasscock and Art Tavee, their achievements are revealed: a century of objects of necessity and desire poured forth to boutiques and department stores across the United States and the world. The forward-thinking American accessory designer, in collusion with America's royalty the Hollywood star and in sync with the unstoppable dominance of a rebellious popular culture, has assembled a cabinet of curiosities, including everything from Adrian s witty Hollywood hats to Ralph Lauren s all-American accoutrement to Madonna s rubber bracelets. It is a tradition that continues today with a stellar group of CFDA designers whose work exemplifies the American accessory.