Tim Gunn's Fashion Bible: The Fascinating History of Everything in Your Closet

Gunn (Gunn's Golden Rules: Life's Little Lessons for Making It Work) is best known for his role as the kind but frank mentor on the reality show Project Runway. Rich with photos, this book combines Gunn's signature brand of sassy wisdom with a smart and entertaining journey through the history of fashion%E2%80%94no item in the closet is left uncovered: chapters include "Underwear: Security vs. Freedom," "Belts: Friend to Soldiers and Vixens," "Dress Shirts: Prudery and Puffery," and "Capri Pants and Shorts: The Plague on Our Nation." Gunn makes this history of fashion more than just another lesson about fabrics and dyes%E2%80%94for him, it's the people and the culture that bring the items we wear into sharper focus; in fact, Gunn states that "the primary purpose of this book is to give your clothes more significance." In addition to his fun and informative survey of the past, Gunn doles out sage advice for the present, with sidebars devoted to helping determine the proper bra fit, listing the various categories of shorts, and explaining the proper way to shop for pants. Numerous cultural tidbits, fantastic images, and sartorial wisdom from one of fashion's most respected gurus make this a must-read for "everyone who gets dressed in the morning, not just an elite crew in Manhattan." Photos & illus. (Sept.)