This book profiles costume designers who worked on Broadway between the 1915-16 and 1985-86 theatre seasons. The more than 1,000 biographies provide information about the designers' backgrounds and preparation. The profiles are followed by a chronological list of credits. Owen's introduction outlines the emergence of the profession. The text is enhanced by 100 illustrations of costumes by prolific and noteworthy designers of the twentieth century. These sketches, many of which have not been previously published, chronicle the history of costume design. The appendixes cover three major awards that have acknowledged the contributions of costume designers, among others, to the Broadway stage--the Tony, Marharam, and Donaldson awards. Recipients and plays are given in chronological order. The index alphabetically lists each play followed by the designer's name when that information is available.