TIARA

The tiara has played a glittering role in the lives of the elegant and extravagantfrom the doe-eyed Audrey Hepburn in the film classic Roman Holiday to generations of England''s royal family—representing the height of sophisticated glamour.

Worn for centuries by nobility and high society, tiaras are enjoying renewed popularity among today''s movie stars and modern brides. Created in conjunction with an exhibition of tiaras at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, this magnificent volume showcases more than 75 of the world''s most exquisite tiaras adorned with everything from delicate feathers to ornately decorated, gold fleur-di-lis scrollwork set in diamonds, pearls, and sapphires. An essay by Diana Scarisbrick, curator of the exhibition, traces the tiara''s history, and dozens of photographs show tiaras worn by Russian princesses, British royalty, American socialites, and many others.

Taking a lighter, popular culture approach to a traditionally high fashion subject, Tiara will delight aficionados as well as those less familiar with the tiara''s artistry, who will be astonished by the array of styles, shapes, and showstoppers from around the world.