Reviews (1)

A Fashion Book For Rest Of Us
This beautifully produced coffee-table book arose from a fashion exhibit held by the Victoria & Albert Museum in the early 1990s. I can't say enough about the layout, photography, and amazing color throughout the book. While the exhibit curators obviously labored mightily to put the exhibit together, the book manages to catalog it all in an enthralling way. A bit expensive for people like me, but you should definitely find a copy to browse through if nothing else. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

What woman hasn't stood in front of a packed closet and thought, "I haven't a thing to wear." What she's really thinking, says Tracy McWilliams, is "I don't have anything to wear that looks good and makes me feel good." According to McWilliams, most women shop and dress from emotion. This book teaches them that they can dress logically with a bit of self-awareness and planning.This book defines the seven principles of good dressing - among them, Accessories Make an Outfit, Quality Never Goes Out of Style, Dress from the Top Down, and Visualize Yourself Beautiful - and explodes five clothing myths. In the process readers learn how to devise their individual, best dressing process, dressing plan, and dressing picture. McWilliams explains how to express inner beauty with smart clothing choices, without becoming slaves to trends that don't fit one's body or personality. ... Read more

Book Description

Christian Lacroix is one of the world's most admired and influential fashion designers, the embodiment of the style and glamour of French haute couture. This is his own account of his life and career, from his childhood in Arles to his arrival in Paris, where he was to meet his wife and partner, Franoise. Here his career started: from his first tentative steps at the House of Patou to his own label within the space of six years. In Lacroix's world visual imagery counts far more than words. Hundreds of lavish color and monochrome illustrations strikingly illuminate his story. Selected from Lacroix's sketchpads, his diary, his pinboard, and old family albums, they are interspersed with vividly remembered impressions that were the sources and springboards of his creativity--a mesmerizing Beaton portrait, the soft drapery of an Arlsienne costume, the feline face of an actress, the brio of a matador cape. Many sketches drawn especially for this publication decorate and complement the narrative. Fashion design, says Lacroix, is an area in which "processes beyond the reach of intellect are at work." Here we see into these processes. Memory, associations, and visual patterns from the conscious and the unconscious mind have fed his imagination to produce some of the most glorious and inventive designs of haute couture today. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

His Own Impressions
Fantastic! Christian gives a guided tour of his own work process, and personal advice as a professional designer. It's like reading his diary, or suddenly finding yourself as his closest confidant and assistant designer! He shares his own impressions of himself and his work. He shares details of how his personal life and his career developed - even from childhood- what inspires him, and what are his influences. Four stars because it's not a quick reference: dates, sources, locations not readily found.

A collage of souvenirs from a happy man.
Christian Lacroix brings coulours and light in each page of this book. In fact, this is more than a book; it is a personal gift made by Christian Lacroix to Françoise, his life, to his friends from Arles (where he was born) and to each invividual reader. Many hand-written comments, pink and yellow pages, naive inspiring rural objects. This is a perfect gift for somebody who already owns everything. Fresh, elegant, fashionable. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

hot stuff!!!!!!!!!
this'll get you hotter than georgia asphalt!!!!!!!!! only problem is its kind of big and hard to hold with one hand.

For Chanel-cluless to Chanel-expert
(nermin8@yahoo.com) How to recall sectet life of the most influencal fashion Mademmoiselle of all times? For the first Chanel-biographyst it was a nightmare...So we should give a huge respect to evry new Chanel biography, and not just for this reason... Also this biography deserves great respect. Though, some questions aren't yet answered (they may never be), this colourful book, introduces us to some new detailes about the "Chanel cut" as well as Coco herself. Must read to any haute couture lover or dreamer... ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (2)

Excellent Reference
The previous reviewer, Michelle Willingham, does not seem familiar with the use of a dictionary. It is not intended to be read, but consulted when information is needed.

This is an excellent reference work, a classic in its field.

A good Book for Costume buffs
This book has a very vast colection of terms and types of dress throughout history. It reads like a regular dictionary, but consists souly of clothing terms. This would be a good book for those who plan to study costume and dress through history, but not a good book for those with just a casual interest. ... Read more

Book Description

This comprehensive reference by a noted costume authority traces the evolution of clerical attire through the centuries until the end of the 1400s.Vestments depicted and discussed include the simple alb, pallium, chasuble, cassock, surplice, mitre, and accessories such as footwear, crosses, headgear, rings, and gloves. Highly readable and handsomely illustrated, this volume is an indispensable reference for students, scholars, cultural historians, and costume designers. Unabridged republication of the classic 1950 edition. Introduction. Authorities Quoted. Brief Historical Data. Index. 276 black-and-white illustrations. 8-page color insert.
... Read more

Book Description

Reveals the inner qualities of 14 remarkable women who define style in ways that have lasted for generations. Witty and fascinating excursions into the worlds of Coco Chanel, Pauline de Rothschild, Diana Vreeland, Elsie de Wolfe, and others are captured in lavish photographs and entertaining anecdotes. We discover not only the preeminent influence that these women held over fashion and culture, but also the wry, often poignant tales of their personal lives. Full-color photographs. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Women of Art, Elan, Distinction
Never have I come across a book that is a simultaneous delight and delicious read. Every profile of each trendsetting lady brims with founts of information and inspiration on how and why these 14 remarkable women became icons of style. Describing them as style pioneers would be an understatement. They created classics born from their lifestyles and tastes, grand or modest --- 'living like an indelible individual' and leaving for the whole world to emulate and regard what they've created as style references to themselves and their images. What even made the book poignant is the well-incorporated pacing and focus into the particular situations of their personal lives. That is an important and integral part that provokes and makes every reader, design and style enthusiast comprehend well why these women, however unconscious they are, became icons. They carried themselves well. They had natural panache. They knew what fitted and worked for them. They stood firm with their orientations and preferences. In the end what they left the world was more than staples in design, but lessons on effortless originality, dignity, self-esteem and self-confidence all inevitably contribute to an image that is revered and will never be rusty. These women and this book is fabulously classic!

This book was intelligently written
and tastefully illustrated with photos and illustrations of 15 extraordinary women who lived the elegant life without effort. I liked the brief biographies of Rita Lydig, Elsie De Wolfe, Babe Paley, Jackie Kennedy and Coco Chanel. Each lady have an unique style that cannot be duplicated. It can be imitated by many people but not duplicated. For example, Elsie De Wolfe's home decorating has influenced many interior designers such as Martha Stewart. Martha has a unique perspective on interior home decorating and entertainment similar to Elsie's. Jackie Kennedy's trend-setting fashions have influenced many American women during the turbulent 60's and beyond. She really taught American women how to live with grace and elegance. The ladies have endured hardships, abusive and unhappy relationships, public scorn, and even scandal to be themselves and not having people, not even their husbands or boyfriends, tell them how to live. This book is for those who want to learn about the unique lives of 15 upper class women. It's the ultimate insider book.

One of my very fave style books
You need this book if you love fashion. I wish the book was larger; that's my only wish! Some people say they wish there were more colored pictures, but early photography was B&W; for one reason, it captured the nuances of the clothing, and I guess color photography wasn't as prolific in the times that some of these ladies had their heyday. This book is interesting both to READ and to LOOK at! You will pick it up several times a year just to drool over the lovely pictures and re-read the lives and choices of these ladies. It's my very favorite book on style, and I have Ultimate Style: Helena Rubenstein: Over the Top; Oscar de la Renta; Shocking: Elsa Shcaparelli; and I even count Happy Times (Lee Radziwill) as one of my style books. I recommend all of these books, by the way! Also get D.V., Diana Vreeland: The Bazaar Years, and Vreeland if you like Diana Vreeland--=she's a really interesting style icon. Someone needs to put together an exhibit on her for the Metropolitan Museum (since she was the longtime curator of their Costume Institute and she made it what it is today, as far as I can tell from what I've read...incredible style, imagination, and flair!) Please buy this book; you won't regret it. It's a glimpse into a bygone era that still fascinates us and calls on us to imulate it.

Style is more than money- someone tell Tapert and Edkins!
I remember I received this book at the tender age of 15, when I was in full adoration mode of Jackie Kennedy. I read it cover to cover on a flight to the West Coast and at that time, I was rapt.
Now, older and wiser, I have to say that this book seems to be little more than the drippingly doting praise of two wealthy, thin, East-Coast women for many other wealthy, thin East-Coast women, with little depth and a rather condescending tone.
Real style is so much more than a well-cut suit or the ability to throw extravagant parties (and when you are as rich as a Vanderbilt, it can't be that hard to acquire these things). Real style is about diplomacy, truth, and talent. The real "Power of Style" doesn't come from what you look like or how much you can spend, but how you present yourself and how you deal with the world. The women described in this book are not so much examples of the power of style, but the power of cash and connections. With the possible exception of Mrs. Kennedy-Onassis, they didn't define the art of living well, they defined the established upper classes who offered very little else to the world than a pretty face and something to read on the society pages.

Could have been better...
I enjoy this book, but my two biggest complaints are the lack of more colorful photos of the houses and clothes these women lived in. For a coffee-table type book, that is kind of important...too many in here are black and white which is unfortunate given the vivid descriptions. I also heartily dislike the sexist contention that these women were all married to alcoholic, indifferent, possibly homosexual weaklings, which is interesting, since none of these women worked but had to rely on said weaklings' money except for Diana Vreeland and Coco Chanel; maybe that is why these two ladies' contributions are the most impressive. Otherwise, the book is somewhat interesting, but nothing spectacular. ... Read more

Book Description

Here is another in the popular series of books from Schiffer Publishing documenting fashion trends in America. Fashionable Clothing from the Sears Catalog, Mid-1970s, illustrates a host of memorable styles from the transitional mid-'70s, ranging from bold colors, platform shoes, and flare-leg pants to leisure suits, traditional plaids, and tweed-textured fibers. It is an invaluable resource for fashion designers looking to revive and rework retro styles, for costume designers working to recreate an era, and for collectors trying to document vintage clothing. A visual treasure chest, this book offers almost 400 full-color photographs, with well over a thousand items of clothing, shoes, and accessories pictured, along with detailed descriptions. In addition, the book offers approximate retail values for these items on today's market. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Color illustrations would bee an improvement
This is costume history on the broad line, as the title says. It gives a good overwiev and as a work of reference, not a specialised deepstudy in a short period or a single item, it is a satisfaying book. An improvement could however bee made in the illustrations, I do appreciate the correctness of stating that some pictures are "reedrawn from ..." I have seen other books were it was not stated although I knew it must have been done, but I would have prefered reproductions of the original pictures, and at least some of the illustrations to bee in color. I presume it was a matter of cost. But the book is not inexpensive as it is and there might bee others besides me who would seriuosly consider paying more if the illustrations were informative as to the colors as well. I have had the possibility to see the earlier edition (1960-thies) as well and compare them a bit and even if I can understand the wish to bee serious. There are a few alterations I wish they had not made.Had it for instance been such a problem to keep a photograp of an reconstruction of an ancient egyptian dress when it was so clearly stated that it was a reconstruction? And why on earth eliminate almost everyone of the of the patterns taken from existing pieces of costume. Yeas some of them have been mesured and published in other books as stated in the introduction, but what would have been wrong with the possibility to compare unless there were serious errors in their making? I could not spot any.

Best Resource for Actors and Costumers
This new edition of one of the best costume history books I've ever seen is very welcome. This edition has all of the power of the original with an added preface and a further, more detailed chapter on 20th Century dress. I have learned more about period details which have helped me as an actor from this book than from many classes. A necessary and pleasurable resource for the actor, costumer, designer and history buff. Worth the money! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Planning a medieval Party?
If you are planning a Medieval Celebration of any kind this is a great book to buy. My Fiancee and I have been looking for medieval books to plan our wedding by and I stumbled across this one its been very helpful and I'm sure it will get alot of use. It has many tradations recipes and lots of fun games a must have.

So-So Information for Event Planning
My fiance and I purchased this book as we are planning a medieval wedding. The title and description of this book implied that we would find lots of valuable information on that topic. Well, we found lots of valuable information for feast planning, or putting on a re-enactment (a la Society for Creative Anachronism), and very little concerning period wedding traditions. The most interesting parts were the recipes/redactions and the instructions for medieval dance steps. There are also several pages that contain sheet music for period songs. If you are looking to put on a reenactment or feast, this is the book for you. If you are looking for anything else, I suggest you look elsewhere. ... Read more

Book Description

Fruits Postcards is a collection of forty-five Tokyo street fashion portraits from Japan's premier fanzine of the same name. 'Fruits' was established in 1994, by photographer Shoichi Aoki, initially as a project to document the growing explosion in street fashion within the suburbs of Tokyo. Over the last five years, the magazine has grown to cult status and is now avidly followed by thousands of Japanese teenagers who also use the magazine as an opportunity to check out the latest styles and trends. The average age of kids featured in the magazine is between 12 and 18, and the clothes that they wear are a mixture of high fashion - Vivianne Westwood is a keen favourite - and home-made ensembles which when combined create a novel, if not hysterical, effect.

This collection of postcards represents a unique documentation of the changing face of street fashion throughout the last decade. Colourful, fascinating and funny, these cult images will delight followers of fashion and youth culture. ... Read more

Book Description

: From the emblematic designs of Madame Grès to Isadora Duncan’s dance costumes and the avant-garde gowns of Yves Saint Laurent, the Greco-Roman classical tradition of dress has clearly inspired and influenced the worlds of art and fashion. This beautifully illustrated book explores the continually evolving influence of classical dress through the ages, presenting a historical survey of this fascinating theme. Featured works include paintings, photographs, sculpture, and decorative objects from Greek and Roman times to the present as well as garments dating from the eighteenth century and recent creations by designers such as Tom Ford of Gucci and Issey Miyake. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The ancient world re-interpreted anew
This is an exhibition catalogue for the Metropolitan Museum of Art costume institute. It chronicles the influence the fashions of ancient Greece and Rome has had in more modern times on women's costume.

Printed on a very nice matt paper (even for photos) it contrasts examples of ancient art such as statues and painted vases with the work of later fashion designers. We get examples of the work of Halston, Madame Gres, Prada, Liberty, Dior and Mariano Fortuny just to name a few. This book is as much a photographic essay as is it is an exhibition catalogue. It has been produced in an elegant style with full page photos one side and text on the other giving it a clean and uncluttered feel.

Recommended if you have any interest in ancient costume and its impact on later fashion design. ... Read more

Book Description

When I think of my beloved friend, the five words I think of are these: elegant, fashionable, generous, supportive, decent. I thank you, Halston.
-- Liza Minnelli

No American designer since Claire McCardell has had such an impact on redefining fashion as Halston. His designs have experienced a tremendous revival and are as popular today as they were when he was alive. This is the first extensive look at Halston and his contributions to the fashion world, starting with his days as a milliner; through the explosion of his clothing lines and licensing deals, to the sale of his name and trademark and his theatrical designs for Liza Minnelli and the Martha Graham Dance Company.

This comprehensive survey of Halston's work is based on exclusive interviews with the people who knew and worked with Halston throughout his turbulent career. They include such celebrity Halston fans as Liza Minnelli, Katherine Graham,and Angelica Huston as well as industry insiders such as Marc Bohan, Stan Herman, Valerie Steele, and contemporary designers who claim Halston as an inspiration for their designs. Joe Eula and Kenneth Paul Block contribute their original sketches, as do manyy well-known fashion photographers.

With more than two hundred photographs Halston: An American Originalis the quintessential volume for all fans of Halston and lovers of fashion.

Reviews (6)

EYE CANDY!!!
Photographs are worth the price of the book alone! I haven't had a chance to read any of the text yet, but there's a lot of it, and a lot of STUNNING PHOTOGRAPHS! THE BEST PHOTO HISTORY OF HALSTON I'VE EVER SEEN. MANY THANKS TO THE AUTHORS FOR THIS WONDERFUL BOOK AND LABOR OF LOVE! LOTS OF HUGE, COLOR, AND RARE PHOTOS. THANKS!

Halston: An American Original
A tasteful book that focuses on Halston's unique talent. He really was "An American Original."

a great salute to a great designer!
If you like fashion..you'll love this book. I have to agree with June Weir,former fashion editor of Vogue and Harpers,its a wonderful book that covers the designer's rise to success in great detail. The photos were exceptional!

Nice Cover - Leave Shrinkwrap On
Roy Frowick Halston is rolling over in his grave faster than he ever did at Studio 54. The sorry accumulation of texts and stilted design make this a disappointment for Halston fans.

Does it address the body of work? No. We have had stupid anecdotal accounts galore, but this is a shame-faced attempt to be - WHAT? Coffee table tome? It cannot be. Too ugly. Some quality assessment of his millieu? Not a thing. Who are all of these parties involved? Embarrassing. Do not waste your money.

ANOTHER MEDIOCRE BOOK ON A FASHION DESIGNER
THIS IS JUST ANOTHER UNDERWHELMING BIO on a Fashion Designer...Considering how important he was, the book is poorly edited, and cheaply done. It is well-researched though, but this hardly gives the reader a feeling for how this man changed the way women dress...I FELL ASLEEP! ... Read more

Book Description

In this sumptuous new book, Cathy Newman provides a fresh perspective on a fascinating subject. Fashion explores clothing and adornment from a uniquely global perspective, at a time when current fashion is fusing diverse cultural styles as never before.

Lively and provocative essays, drawn from interviews with prominent fashion industry insiders—including contemporary designers, fashion editors, and curators—give new insights into the role fashion has played in history, while Newman’s essays focus on the body adorned, from hair to garb accessories. The book’s introductory essays are written by cultural anthropologist Joanne Eicher and fashion historian Valerie Mendes. Combining illuminating text with exquisite archival and contemporary images, Fashion is not only an essential reference tool but also a gorgeously designed volume that will stand out in both the art and photography markets. This remarkable book offers a thorough and tantalizing look at the ways in which fashion shapes us and the world in which we live.

Reviews (1)

A Classic Piece
A perfect gift for any woman with an appreciation for worldy fashion. A classic piece. Not another flakey fashion book, instead extremely intelligent. Beautiful photography. I only wish I had one on my own coffee table too. . . all my friends do now. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (3)

Amazing resource
I had never seen this book physically when I ordered it and was very pleased when it arrived on my doorstep. This hefty volume is a wealth of information, even for those who have already studied geisha culture and know a good deal of the terminology, ceremonies and details of the unique way of life and its related artistic and historical implications. I can't imagine a more detailed factual research source on the subject; this book really has it all. There is also an array of photographs of maiko and geiko in their respective regalia partaking in the business, artistic as well as personal aspects of their lives.

One of the most unique elements of the book is the inclusion of the sections of translucent vellum paper, which reveal the layers of a kimono ensemble and the progressive steps involved in the making-up of a geisha's face. This creative idea made for an interesting addition to an already fine book.

If I had to choose two resources on geisha culture to introduce an unfamiliar party with the subject, I would select _Geisha_ by Liza Dalby for her thoughtful, personal story told through a discerning anthropologist's eye, and _Geisha: a Unique World of Tradition, Elegance and Art_ for its comprehensive, detailed but more objective view of the subject. The information they encompass brings a mysterious, insular world into clear focus for the curious and eager-to-learn outsider.

Geisha : A Unique World of Tradition, Elegance and Art
Since the turn of the 19th century, the Western world has been fascinated by the image of geisha, the Japanese "flower and willow world." Biographies, fiction, nonfiction, theatrical works, photography, movies, and television shows continue to appear, trying to depict and understand this erotic and mysterious Japanese tradition. In this most recent full and detailed account on the topic, Gallagher, an Ireland-born writer and translator residing in Japan, provides a thorough coverage of geishas' training, attire, etiquette, crafts, social network, and their interplay with the changing Japanese society. Lavish illustrations with multiple vellum overlays reveal geishas' makeup, hairstyle, ornaments, and kimono costume. Also discussed are dance, the tea ceremony, and seasonal activities in hanamachi, or "flower town." This heavily illustrated book offers the reader a taste of the unique sensibility of leisure in Japanese culture. With useful references, a bibliography, Internet resources, a glossary, and an index, this is a worthy addition to the subject. Recommended for large collections in public and academic libraries.

An unrivaled pictorial (and written) look at the geisha
These days it seems that books on geisha are becoming more numerous. Having previewed the entire work at a local store this evening, I decided to go ahead and order this online because it offers numerous pictures of not only the geisha, but traditional buildings and locations, an engaging discussion on part of the author (who is not above discussing how geisha affected persons ranging from Maria Callas to Madonna), and does not overly politicize their existence.

Many of the other books on geisha on Amazon.com are probably just as thorough, but none that I have seen can offer really the sheer number of color photos nor detailed illustrations of the traditional clothes worn by a geisha. One of the unique features of this book are the vellum overlays that dissect what the geisha wears from outside to inside. It's enormously helpful to those who in addition to wanting to know about the geisha, wants to know what they wore in great detail and the kind of places they may have dwelt and walked in traditional Kyoto and Edo.

This is a great introduction to the world of geisha as well as certain traditional cultural aspects of Japan, and any reader will certainly know more after reading and looking through this book and have a thorough appreciation for the traditions symbolized by the geisha. ... Read more

Book Description

Model is the definitive story of the international modeling business -- and its evil twin: legalized flesh peddling. It's a tale of beautiful women empowered and subjugated, of vast sums of money, of sex and drugs, obsession, and tragic death. At its heart is the most unholy combination in commerce: beautiful, young women and rich, lascivious men.

Investigative journalist Michael Gross has interviewed modeling's pioneers, survivors, and hangers-on, telling the story of the greats: Lisa Fonssagrives; Anita Colby; Candy Jones; Dorian Leigh and her sister Suzy Parker; Jean Shrimpton and Twiggy; Veruschka and Lauren Hutton; Janice Dickinson and Patti Hansen; and the supermodel Trinity: Christy, Naomi, and Linda.

Taking us into the private studios and hidden villas where models play and are preyed upon, Gross tears down modeling's carefully constructed faÇade to reveal untold truths of the ugly trade in pretty women.

Reviews (8)

Excellent book for anybody interested in the subject
Heard and enjoyed the taped version of MODEL by Michael
Gross . . . its subtitle says it all: The ugly business of beautiful
women . . . methinks that this is an excellent book for anybody
thinking of entering the profession--or if you know somebody who
is . . . although the field may seem glamorous, in reality, it is
anything but that.

Though the book was non-fiction, it sounded like I was listening
to a novel . . . also, I liked hearing about the backgrounds of such
famous models as Twiggy and Cindy Crawford.

The edition I heard was from the mid-1990s . . . I understand
that a paperback edition in 2002 has since updated MODEL
and might be worth getting if you find the subject of interest.

Informative historic review of modeling
The strong points of this book become easily evident if even one only looks at the several-page-long bibliography. Mr. Gross has done a commendable job of research and has presented a voluminous material, including multiple interviews, pictures, etc. From a historical standpoint, there is probably no better book written on the modeling business (particularly in the US).( There is actually and afterward to the paperback edition, which brins some current news as of 2002.)

The weak points of the book are rooted in its failure to discuss what its title promises -- "business". Yes, there are salary numbers, but that is about where Mr. Gross stops. In describing the business he talks at length about modelling agencies, magazines and the like, only it happens in a somewhat gossipy style (describing personalities, political battles, etc.), while failing to provide any financial (or any other business) information so as to give the reader an idea of, for example, of how big this business is. As a result, after reading the book, one is short of truly understanding how the business really works, including the interaction of its multiple participants, such as publihhers, designers, etc.

Interesting read
This book does exactly what the title says, it reveals the ugly side of the modeling business. However, it is an older book so you won't hear any recent names. There is another book out there, "Shut up and Smile" that covers more recent models. But the writing from that book is no comparison to this one. This book is by someone that knows how to write and the stories are very in-depth which can only make the book better. The pictures are also better in this book.

Very informative book on the world of Supermodels/Modeling
This is very good book on the history of the Supermodels (Linda, Naomi, Christy, Cindy, etc). Also very informative on the modeling industry and the men that run it. If your daughter or son in pursuing modeling, read this book first.

Raji, please can I have your e-mail? I have a question!
Raji, I saw your posting under the reviews. I don't know any other way of communicating with you, so I hope this finds you. You were talking about how much these books help your knowledge in the fashion world. I have a few/many questions about your agency that you mentioned that you were going to open. Please, when and if you read this e-mail me! ktaylor41@hotmail.com ... Read more

Amazon.com

One of the most beloved figures in country music (non-music division), Nudie Cohn was born a million metaphoric miles from the birthplace of the hillbilly sound. His remarkable journey--from tailor's apprentice in his birthplace of Kiev, Russia, to America's undisputed king of Western wear--is lovingly documented in Nudie: The Rodeo Tailor by authors Jamie Lee Nudie (his granddaughter) and Mary Lynn Cabrall. More pictorial celebration than detailed biography, the book wisely lets the photos of his famous friends and his splendid suits tell the story; the accompanying text is light and breezy, providing a mere overview of Cohn's life and travels. An incredible range of actors and musicians appear, usually donning Nudie's one-of-a-kind creations. Supposedly the first tailor to add rhinestones to a Western suit, Nudie was as flamboyant as his gloriously embroidered, superbly studded garments. Like many immigrants to the States, this Russian-born Jew was clearly fascinated by the more mythic aspects of Americana--Hollywood, cowboys, and western music--and eventually became a unique part of Americana himself. --Marc Greilsamer ... Read more