Book Description

Lacy dresses, glittering evening wear, body-contoured sweaters, luxury cashmere pieces, seamless lingerie....From Julien Macdonald's cobweb confections and Lainey Keogh's filigree works of art, through Prada's sophisticated classics with a twist and Missoni's rainbow stripes, to Martin Margiela's avant-garde deconstructions and Issey Miyake's revolutionary clothing concept A-POC, the best of today's fashion designers are using radical ideas in knitwear design. Since the 1970s, developments in modern technology, a revival of traditional craft skills, and a new appreciation of couture workmanship have ensured knitwear's place at the forefront of fashion.

The enthusiasm for knitting is spreading to other creative fields. Fashion designers such as Jean-Paul Gaultier and Bodymap have collaborated in the creation of costumes for theater and dance. Accessory designers such as Jo Gordon and Hikaru Noguchi use knitting for their colorful and imaginative bags, scarves, gloves, and hats. Artists, including Maria Blaisse and Freddie Robins, inspired by experimental yarns and fabric processes, are creating knitted installations for museums and galleries. Product designers capitalize on the unique visual and light-filtering qualities of knitted fabrics to create remarkable furnishings, sculpture, lighting, and jewelry. Whether hand-knitted or industrially produced, whimsical or theatrical, ingenious or just plain beautiful, these pieces are all stunning examples of the new vogue in knitting.

Lavishly illustrated with color photographs, Knitwear in Fashion shows off the best in international knitwork. An extensive reference section covers the technology of knitting, developments in design, and new fibers, and includes a glossary of technical terms and biographies of designers. This book is essential for anybody concerned with textiles, fashion, or contemporary design. 300 photographs and illustrations, 285 in color. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Inspiration Time!
This book will be inspirational to anyone who aspires to be a knitwear designer, in the fashion-forward sense of the idea. It's not a pattern book, but it does have lots of pictures of runway models in things you'd never wear, including those infamous Alexander McQueen numbers. It also has knitted-fabric-as-art pieces, altho not the installation that was a knitted house complete with knitted furniture and vacuum cleaner.

It includes a few pages of knitwear in fashion history, as well as a few pages on the technology of knitting. Handknitters might not get as much inspiration as machine knitters, but there's plenty of ideas to take and use in your own original pieces. There's easily a dozen sweaters with elements I'd adapt for my own sweaters.

Who would buy this book? A knitwear designer, someone with money to burn and/or who loves to see fashion shows. However, do recommend it to your local public or academic library! then put yourself on the list to check it out. ... Read more

Book Description

Radical chic gets a new definition in this stunning survey of fashion trends that are emerging far away from the runways.

In Xtreme Fashion authors Courtenay Smith and Sean Topham turn their attention to the fashion world, where haute couture is taking a backseat to serious concerns about the environment, personal safety, and privacy. Featuring more than 300 color photos and fascinating text, the authors show how real fashion starts on the streets, born of urban conditions from gang culture to teenybopper worship. They showcase the works of designers, artists, and other creative individuals such as Moreno Ferrari, Freddie Robins, Vexed Generation, Alicia Framis, Daniele Buetti, Lucy Orta, and Hussein Chalayan to illustrate the demand for clothing that can protect, extend, alter, mark or mask the human body. Putting forth the idea that truly extreme fashion is not designed to be outlandish, but useful, Xtreme Fashion looks beyond the latest hemlines and "new blacks" to clothing and accessories that respond to the world we live in. ... Read more

Book Description

From the most popular French fashion periodical of the late 19th century–51 exquisitely detailed, hand-colored plates depicting an incredible array of stylish clothing for women in 1886: day dresses, formal wear, visiting dresses, ball gowns, traveling outfits, costumes for the seaside, and much more. Also, elegant accessories plus a selection of fashionable clothing for children. For fashion enthusiasts, costume historians, and lovers of Victoriana.
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Reviews (1)

Beautiful Picture Book of French Fashions in FULL COLOR
I found this beautiful picture book of French Fashions from the 19th century an absolute delight.

The pictures are excellently drawn, in FULL COLOR, and filling an entire page. Most of the pages show two ladies in lovely costumes from the period.

The brief text either explains the occasion for which the dress would be worn, or the materials and fabric of the gown.

There is always a bit of background color behind the ladies so they are not on a stark white page, yet the background does not, in any way detract from the ladies and their apparel.

There are more detailed explanations of each of the gowns featured , listed and numbered, at the front of the book.

There are also a couple of pages featuring various bonnets and hats for spring and winter wear.

... Read more

Amazon.com

Fashion is rarely seen as a forum for communication. However, Italian fashion designer Franco Moschino has long used it as his soapbox. Moschino, a collaboration with graphic designer Luca Stoppini, presents his shop window, rather than his clothing, as the vessel for communication. Taking cues from the bold graphics of Moschino's designs--such as the shirt that proclaims "For fashion victims only" and the bathing suit that shouts "SAVE OUR SEA"--each shop window is an elaborately constructed message. Organized into months, the book traverses 12 years 12 times, living and reliving the years between 1989 and 2000 as if a camera were in front of the shop window all that time, recording these installations. There is not much more offered beyond this series of photographs, so it is not quite a fashion book, nor is it a book about designing shop windows, yet it shows the potential of both to speak, and loudly. --Juliette Cezzar ... Read more

Reviews (1)

a beautiful catalogue
This book was produced for an exhibition at the metropolitan musuem of art in 1994. It shows how visions of 'the exotic' in places like asia and the middle east have affected western dress over the centuries - right up to the present time.

This volume is illustrated with numerous lovley colour photos of the exhibition pieces, which range from the 18th to 20th centuries. The text is quite light and easy to read, and the book does not have an index.

I give this book 4 stars for the photo and presentation content, but I'd have to drop one off for the text content. It's not a big book at 95 pages, but it's a nice one:) ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A classic in its field
This book should NOT be out of print. Based on Esquire's coverage of fashion in the '30s and '40s, it not only shows how little men's fashion has changed over the years but also WHY the male of the species is so adverse to radical innovation.

Mr. Hochswender is, arguably, the best living writer on this subject. Besides an encyclopedic knowledge of the field, his style, witty and easy to comprehend, makes for a great read.

If you can acquire this book somehow, please do it. You will have deeper insight not only into fashion but also into male behavior in general.

this is "the book" for male clotheshounds.
This book is elegantly illustrated and shows the timelessness - some might say "sameness" - of men's fashion from the 1930s to the 1940s. This is the kind of book you don't lend to friends, because you'll never get it back. Speaking of which, does anyone have a copy to sell? I loaned mine to a friend - soon to be an ex-friend - and the book is out of print. ... Read more

Book Description

Fashion Sourcebooks is a series of beautifully illustrated paperbacks presenting the costume drawings of John Peacock. The series charts the development of women's and men's clothing from 1900 onwards, with a volume devoted to the fashions of each decade. John Peacock's Fashion Sourcebooks are destined to become an indispensable part of the library of any fashion enthusiast, historian, or collector, and are sure to provide inspiration to any designer or student working in the performing arts.

Fashion in the 1970s grew increasingly individualistic. The ethnic look flourished. Colors became bolder and brighter, and loose, baggy clothes were introduced. Women's skirts gradually lengthened and became more flowing, while men's dress incorporated frilled or patterned shirts, wide ties, and embroidered waistcoats. Flared pants were worn by both sexes. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

WOW!
This book was so wonderful,and helpful. Because of this book I was accepted in to a Fashion Designing colleg!I recommend you get it! ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

Concise story of Cristobal Balenciaga
This is a great book for those interested in knowing the career of Balenciaga.Marie Andrée Jouvre had already written a larger edition on the topic, a book callled "Balenciaga", published in 1988. She shows she really understands what she is talking about.What I liked most about this book is that it gives a general overview of the work of this master, including some high quality pictures of his most famous dresses.And for those who really prefer pictures, this is the book for you. The written part is really small, yet effective. ... Read more

Book Description

Exuberantly written, immensely practical reference presents a kaleidoscopic panorama of clothing styles worn in period covering the last years of George III to latter part of Victoria’s reign. Charming descriptions and illustrations of such authentic outfits as a French court dress (1818), Garibaldi shirt (1861), evening dress (1865) , as well as tennis, hockey, golfing and cycling costumes; underclothing, headgear, and much more. Immensely valuable survey for students of fashion history, costume and design, as well as theatrical and motion picture producers. 200 b/w illustrations and twenty seven full color drawings.
... Read more

Book Description

200 color and black-and-white illustrations ... Read more

Reviews (2)

I miss sample sales!
Like most fashionistas, I have a thing for shoes. I wanted a book on the aforementioned subject, and I found Shoes by Paola Buratto Caovilla. Caovilla illustrates the shoes created by great designers -- Manholo Blanik, Gucci, Prada, etc. -- while supplying insightful information on how to design shoes. This is one of the best coffee table books I have ever purchased. Now, if only I could find a sample sale...

The Seduction of a Shoe
For as long as I can remember I have had a fascination with shoes. I own a collection of books on the subject but in compairson, I must say this is the book that now has my full attention. "Shoes, Objects of Art and Seduction" has earned a coveted place on my coffee table for two reasons. The first is simply the visual treat of beautiful photography. Secondly and more important for me, the book qualifies as a design manual for creating shoes. The author, wife of Italian master cobbler Rene Caovilla, shares secrets from the inside of an industry typically shroud in mystery. The Caovilla family trademark is to collect memomentos from their travels and translate them into exquisitly wearable objects. I have heard it said that exceptional styling comes from designer's with unusual sources. This book shows you how they do it! As a recent student in the art of shoe making, I found the section on the process of creating a designer shoe invaluable. I can't wait to get my hands on this book again! ... Read more

Amazon.com

The Spanish designer Manolo Blahnik creates the most sought-after shoes in the world. On a supermodel, a Manolo Blahnik shoe completes the perfect ensemble; placed on a pedestal, it becomes a minor art object. Colin McDowell's Manolo Blahnik attempts to capture the genuine excitement generated by Blahnik's creations. It is only partly successful. The breathy writing style never rises above fashion-magazine gossip, though the shoes themselves extend beyond fashion into art and sculpture--even metaphysical meaning. The maestro never puts a foot wrong. The finest materials, gorgeous color, and a sense of the theatrical combine in elegant originals that consistently surprise. We are told that, besides their whimsicality and sexiness, his shoes are extremely comfortable and well made.

Blahnik, "sculptor and engineer," carves each wooden last himself, normally from beech, and supervises the Italian workshops that turn his designs into treasures. His originality may be explained by his lack of formal training, but it is also clear that Blahnik's success is founded on hard work, eccentricity, and boundless energy. The book's photographs and the designer's drawings (especially effective) present the shoes as formal objects in settings replete with rose petals and fashion-photographer textures. As a glimpse into the mechanics of the world of high fashion, Manolo Blahnik works well. Readers interested in contemporary culture, celebrities, and the master's thoughts on toe cleavage and other mysteries will rave about it. --John Stevenson ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Picture Pages for the Moden Girl
For the Carrie Bradshaw in all of us! Carrie taught the world how to say Manolo and now we are all obssesed it's a great keepsake for the shoe attict in all of us women!

Boring with a Capital "B"
... I bought this book. I have a foot fetish, shoe fascination. I make shoes. I love this man. I came away from this book feeling that this man was very shallow.

The photos were disappointing. Those of us with shoe obsessions won't be satisfied with this book. The shoes shown aren't original; the manner in which they are shown isn't either.

Perhaps I was too hungry for something as original as Manolo.

Great gift
I have a step-mother who is impossible to buy for, truly hard.
She has everything and buys whatever she wants.
So last year I know she likes to read, although rarely see her do so, and know she loves shoes. She is no Imelda but has gone into the 2 closet phase for shoes alone.
I put two and two together and found this book. She loved it. In fact still loves it and re-reads it all the time.
A great gift, I scored many points with the creativity factor on this one. Even my fiancee was impressed.

deeply disappointed
as a long time manolo aficionado, i was deeply disappointed in colin mc dowell's tribute to one of the greatest artistic geniuses of our time, manolo blanhnik. as geniuses go, blahnik's a very complicated man, and i feel that mc dowell doesn't begin to do him justice. i came away from the book wanting to know more. besides that, i don't feel the photographs and sketches were necessarily indicative of blahnik's best work.

Feed Your Manolo Obsession....
As a woman and a fan of shoes, I'm here to tell you that you can't get any better than Manolo Blahnik. His creations are sexy, stylish, and comfortable. And thanks to Sarah Jessica Parker and "Sex & the City", they are all the rage. But there is one tiny problem...they are also VERY expensive. For those of us that can't afford to run down to Neiman Marcus and slap down $600.00 for these sexy stiletto's, there's "Manolo Blahnik" by Colin McDowell. The pictures in this book will take your breathe away. You'll find yourself salivating over everything from linen mules to toe-ring slides. The book itself is more like a work of art than a book about footwear. It's also interesting to learn how Blahnik creates these beauties.

I suggest this book for fans of Manolo or those who wish they could afford them. Beautiful book! It'll make you go out and buy a few pairs!

Gennie Bailey-Rogers ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Remarkable Resource
As a vintage clothing collector and seller, this is an invaluable resource for me. Ideal for a beginner, as well as a seasoned collector. An interesting read and a wonderful and useful book for just "looking up" a designer when necessary. It's a must have for the field.

Can't Live Without It
What a way to meet the talented American designers. .Before Calvin, Ralph and Donna, there was Norell, McCardell and Mainbocher. Caroline Milbank introduces them and shows you their signature designs. A "must have" for fashion fans! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Highly useful book on men's fashion
Just a picture book? A GREAT picture book, with detailed captions to help you understand what you see.

Most fashion reference books have a few sketches or photos of men's attire for each 20-100 years or so. This book has dozens. For example, Day Wear 1897-1900 has 8 full sketches including shoes and accessories and another 8 for Day Wear 1900-1907. Then there's Sports & Leisure Wear and Evening Wear, Footwear and more.

I need to dress a man for a 1900 picnic. I turn to Day Wear and have quite a few choices. This allows me to select several that use garments I already have on hand and easily determine what other items would be appropriate--if bow ties are were worn or shoes have pointed toes, etc.

I got this book at the library, then couldn't function without it, so I had to buy it. There might be a book this useful for men's fashion after 1920, but I've never seen anything this helpful for any period before then.

A superb collection and invaluable resource.
This is the most fantastic book of gentlemen's vintage clothing that I have ever read. It is filled from cover to cover with detailed drawings, in both color and B&W, accompanied by a decription with every item shown in this great book.

Example, (the following has a detailed color drawing and reads as follows): Day Wear 1928. British. Single-breasted grey wool overcoat, wide lapels, inset sleeves with split cuffs, button trim, large patch-and-flap pockets, top-stitched edges and detail. Straight-cut trousers with turn-ups. Collar-attached shirt. Striped tie. Trilby hat. Two-tone leather brogues. Leather gloves. Walking Stick. The drawing that accompanies the above description is in color so that you may see the correct colors to be used.

This is a wonderful book and is a must have for any gentlemen interested in vintage clothing. It's a guide for having the clothes remade for your own personal everyday wear or for studying.

Nice picture book
I checked this book out at a local book store. It might be a good resource for a costume designer or fashion maven, but contains no "real" information (very little text, no explanations of clothing styles or traditions, etc.). ... Read more

Book Description

This exuberant collection celebrates the way in which astonishing new textile technology is bringing together fashion, design, engineering, and science. Synthetics are now much more than cheap substitutes for natural fibers: they feel good, perform well, and look out of this world--literally. Smart textiles are no longer a science-fiction fantasy; here are self-cleaning carpets and anti-insomniac microfibers. Engineered textiles combine fabric with glass, ceramics, metal, or carbon to produce lightweight hybrids with incredible properties. Sophisticated finishes, such as silicone coatings and holographic laminates, transform color, texture, and even form. The book is illustrated throughout with the work of leading designers in the USA, Europe, and Japan: Issey Miyake, Donna Karan, Helmut Lang, Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garons, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Alexander McQueen, and many more. A comprehensive reference section includes biographies of artists, makers, and developers; explanations of technical terms; a directory of suppliers; a full bibliography; and information on where to see contemporary textiles. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Techno-riffic
This book was a well thought out and planned introduction to the world of technical/synthetic fabrics.The definitions, classifications, and examples of usage make for an interesting read. Equally exciting are thechapters on engineering, synthetics, and coatings. The designs and photosare avant-garde with references to the top designers who of course are thefirst to try new things. It is well organized and easy to use as areference manual.Techno would be well situated on the bookshelf of everycutting-edge design and production team. However, based on my 15 years ofexperience in the fashion-forward streetwear scene, I would have expectedto find listed the company Decopap Inc of Montreal Canada, which has beenthe leading source of Vinyl coated fabrics to the streetwear, fetish, andtechno crowd for the last 30 years. This one omission aside, the book istruly a valuable source for the textile industry. ... Read more