Reviews (2)

Good read
This is a very good style source. One caveat. It's a British publication written in "British" English. Can be difficult at times for U.S. readers(e.g. "trainers" = sneakers)to plow through.

For All Audrey Wannabees
This is possibly the best book on style ever. It is not a book on fashion. It is about classic, tasteful elegance and, in my view, is quite superb. There are very few pictures other than of the divine style icons - Grace, Audrey, Katharine, Marilyn etc - and this lack of pictures emphasises the point of the book. Spare, witty and enigmatic. ... Read more

Book Description

Herb Ritts is one of the most notorious and successful photographers working today. The Los Angeles-based imagemaker has created portfolios for Vogue, Vanity Fair, and other magazines, done movie ads and music videos, and worked with fashion-world clients such as Calvin Klein and Giorgio Armani. This sumptuous catalogue, published to accompany an exhibition at the Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain in Paris, includes an interview with Herb Ritts. One hundred photographs, some previously unpublished, exemplify the rigorous, disconcerting work of one of the most remarkable photographers of the contemporary art, fashion, and entertainment worlds. Herb Ritts's subjects include Antonio Banderas, Sandra Bernhard, Louise Bourgeois,Charles Bukowski, William S. Burroughs, Francesco Clemente, Joseph Fiennes, Dizzy Gillespie, Mel Gibson, Keith Haring, Stephen Hawking, Michael Jordan, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, B. B. King, Roy Lichtenstein, Ewan MacGregor, Nelson Mandela, Edward Norton, Robert Rauschenberg, Christopher Reeve, and Tina Turner. 94 duotone photographs. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Powerful Black & White Imagery
As an amateur photographer, I have always found Herb Ritts to be one of the greatest modern photographers living. Similiar to many celebrity photographers such as Richard Avedon, David LaChapelle, and Annie Liebowitz, Ritts captures the essence that is celebrity perfectly. Whether it is the photograph of Madonna and Sean Pean as a loving couple, or a gathering of today's top supermodels (all nude) Ritts has an eye for detail, as well as an approach few photographers nowadays don't utilize, direct communication with your subjects. In the past (and even in the present) celebrity photography can be a pain as many celebrities tend to want their agents around them whenever there is a shoot.

Many of Ritts photographs in this compilation happen to be of a homoerotic nature. Ritts, who is openly gay, captures the essence of male sexuality perfect, and the results can be enjoyed by anyone regardless of their orientation.

I hope in the future Ritts comes out with another huge compilation of his work. His recent work with such celebrities such as Monica Lewinsky and Janet Jackson should be published in a volume, but for the meanwhile, purchase this book for your coffee table or library. It will make an interesting topic of conversation with anyone. Ritts is pure genius!

Herb Ritts: Work
I was mesmorized by this book! Herb Ritts has the ability to not ownly create a beautiful portrait, but to capture I personality of his models. Each photograph tells a fabulous story of fantasy, glamour, and often just everyday life. I would highly recommend this collection. Among my favorite celebrity photos: Johnny Depp on the set of Edward Scissorhands, Jim Carrey dressed as a Mermaid, Tom Cruise on the set of Mission Impossible 2, the tattooed arm of Axle Rose, and a mysterious grin by Roy Lichtenstein. These photos are also large enough (most are at least 8x10) to remove and frame.

Beautiful coffee table book & conversation piece
I received this book as a gift. I can't tell you how many times at a party or get-together at our home someone has picked this up, and then it has become the topic of conversation. The book gets passed around the entire night because everyone wants to look at it, and once someone starts flipping through the pages they simply can't put it down because they want to look at every image. Several of the photos are of celebrities, but they are somewhat disguised. Example: Cindy Crawford made up as a man. It is fun to do a "double take" as you try to guess who some of the subjects are. As always, Herb Ritts' images are masterpieces. This was a wonderful gift.

A Mixed Bag of Photographs
This catalogue of the retrospective of Ritts' work in the mid 90's at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston by its very nature has a lot of photographs that are included in previous volumes: many of the nudes, the African photos, the series called Duo and "celebrity portraits." Unlike many celebrity photographers, Ritts was able to create photographs that rarely if ever are duplicates of either his or other artists' work. You get a good sense of that from looking at all of the small copies of all the photos published at the end of this volume. That is no small accomplishment. Many of the nudes and/or erotic photographs have been around for so long and reproduced so often that they have almost become cliches. For example, the series of "Fred With Tires." These show up in calendars, refrigerator magnets, posters ad nauseam. The nine photographs of Bill T. Jones, one of which graces the cover of this hefty volume, should be called "Eunuch, I-IX." The poor man has been castrated by the stroke of an airbrush. I assume we are politically rather than anatomically correct here. This show was clearly no repetition of the Mapplethorpe Exhibit in Cincinnati!

Celebrity photographs are often just that. They are interesting only if you know the model. A fine portrait photographer can shoot someone we do not know and make that person interesting to us. Many though certainly not all of Ritts' photos rise to that level. For that reason, he will always be revered as an artist. I would put the photos of Whoopi Goldberg, William Burroughs and Mike Ovitz in that category, to name three. Even if we did not know who these people are, Ritts makes us want to know them. Proof of this, at least for me, is that I was mesmerized by the photo of Ovitz and didn't have the slightest idea initially of who he was. These photographs are intriguing and draw the viewer in. Finally, for my money, the three incomparable shots of Eunice Kennedy Shriver are simply the best portraits in the book. The first time I leafed through this volume, these fantastic shots jumped out at me.

I treasure my signed copy of another of Ritts' books. I'm sorry that he will never take another photograph.

Amazing
Although, sadly, Herb Ritts has passed away I'm sure he'll be remembered as one of the greatest celebrity photographers ever. With that being said, I'll admit that I am NOT a Hollywood-glam-celebrity fanatic, and I hate public obsession with celebrities. However, I will admit my admiration of Herb Ritts' introverted and sophisticated images of Hollywood identities. I keep my copy of "Herb Ritts: Work" next to the wild and outgoing "Lachapelle Land" by David Lachapelle, which together show an interesting contrast in approach to celebrity photography.

The first third of the book is comprised of Herb Ritts' nudes and "unearthly" abstract nudes, most of them photographed in the 1980's. The remaining are photographs in Africa and his famous artist and celebrity portraits. One of my favorite photos is of photographer/sculptor Joel-Peter Witkin with his son, a rather down-to-earth and affectionate portrayal of such a "macabre-oriented" artist.

I was always intimidated by the price of this book, but I knew I had to have it. Luckly, I got a new 1st ed. copy for about thirty-bucks with online auction (I'm sure the seller was hitting himself on the head with it). However, I would've WELL paid $135+ on this as it is one of the most well-bound luxurious photography books I've seen. The book itself is finely printed, and I would definately recommend adding this "essential" to any monograph book collection. ... Read more

Book Description

Getting dressed every morning probably causes more trauma than anything else we do on a daily basis.No one understands this better than Betty Halbreich.She's seen firsthand that putting on clothes is as much -- if not more -- about the mind as it is about the body.Each day, her dressing room at Bergdorf Goodman is filled with women searching for something.They may think they're merely shopping for a new dress, but as Betty knows, sometimes they're really shopping for a whole new life.Whatever these women are seeking, Betty is sure to help them find it.

With simple instructions and witty asides, Betty takes her experience out of the dressing room and puts it into readers' hands.Follow her through the years and through the stores as she sheds light on such fashion conundrums as how to break up with the color black, what to wear on "Casual Friday," what "black-tie" really means and how to wear just about any accessory.

Betty elevates shopping and dressing to an art form, yet she makes you realize how simple it really is to look fabulous.She is truly a fashion therapist, dispensing wisdom, wit and advice on how to enhance your natural beauty, build a more confident self-image, and, most of all, have a little fun while doing it.

... Read more

Reviews (9)

Excellent advice for anyone
Great book. Simple format, easy to read and follow.

Can't afford a personal shopper?
This book is the next best thing. It forces you to think about your personal style, body type and lifestyle and create a wardrobe that works with it. I think it is a must read for those who don't just put on clothes but really dress themselves (truly, there is a difference!).

Additionally, I think that any company that has business casual dress code or casual friday should make "The Dressing Down Dilemma" chapter standard reading or add it to their employee manual (have you seen some of the things people try to pass off as "business casual" lately?). She very clearly defines what is acceptable and what is faux pas with simple guidelines and suggestions.

A great read
I loved this book. It reminded me of shopping as a young girl when there were women in all the grand old department stores who knew about clothes and would pass their knowledge on. So much of this has been lost in our self-service world. With this book, Betty Halbreich offers her expertise not only to the well-heeled patrons of Bergdorf-Goodman, but to the rest of us. And her take on the whole "fashion thing" is so light-hearted. After reading Secrets of a Fashion Therapist, I am savvier at shopping -- and I have more fun doing it.

It's like advice from a friend!
I love this book so much the Public Library told me to purchase my own copy - I check it out at least once a month! I am from NYC and this book is soooooo NYC. I feel like I know Betty and Bergorf Goodman dept store. Great, excellent, terrific advice on closets, storage and clothing care. Also how to mix all your black clothes with other items instead of wearing fashion-editor uniform. I am going to buy 3 copies today!!!

If the author were not so self absorded and pretencious....
I would have given this book four stars. Every few pages there is a giant side note from celebraties praising the author... and most of them time, it has little related to fashion. It was hard to ignore this since it occured so often. Annoying, to say the least. I was, however, quite please with the rest of the book, despite her stale sense of humor. She did give some good fashion advice, that's undeniable. ... Read more

Book Description

Architecture has become a powerful tool in the fashion business. Perfectly poised and detailed shopping environments help to launch and build the corporate identities of the most conspicuous and prevalent fashion houses worldwide. As clothes designers diverify into all sorts of product ranges from homeware to sports gear, and expand in the the virtual world of e-commerce, the architectural image of built shops is becoming all the more apparent and all-pervasive.
Featuring interviews with high-profile architects Rem Koolhaas, Jan Kaplicky of Future Systems and David Chipperfield, and covering, among others, Comme des Garcons, Dolce & Gabbana, Issey Miyake, Prada and Yves St Laurent stores, this issue takes a close look at the relationship between fashion and architecture. It examines issues such as what role architecture plays in the formulation of fashion houses' identities, whether the line between fashion and architecture has become blurred, and if virtual shopping environments are intensifying the need to experience architectural space in the high street. Probing and far-reaching in its editorial content, Fashion and Architecture is the most comprehensive and high-quality visual record of current fashion retail. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Wonderful collection of a fantastic illustrator!!!!
This is a wonderfully illustrated collection of Gruau's work that cannot be found anywhere else. The colors are breathtaking and the images are larger than life. If you like fashion illustration, you will not be disapointed by Gruau's work. He is in a class by himself. Chic, stylish and unique!

Stunning!!! (I'd give it 10 stars if I could)
This book is absolutely gorgeous and I'd highly recommend it to anyone who loves art and design books. His work is beautiful and it captures the elegance and glamour of the fashion world. His use of line and colour is simple but perfect and it fills each image with life and emotion.

The book itself is well thought-out. The first section is devoted to information about the artist, along with some photographs. The majority of the book is devoted to his work, with each image given an entire page, with no text or even a page number to detract from it. The last section has information on each of the individual pieces in the main section. It even has thumbnails of each piece to save flipping back and forth(handy since there are no page numbers!!) I absolutely love this book!!! It may be expensive, but it's well worth the money.
Enjoy :)

Breathtakingly, heartbreakingly BEAUTIFUL!
I had never heard of Rene Gruau until I saw the book on display at a local bookstore. As I started to open the book, I figured that the inside couldn't possibly be as beautiful as the cover (see above). I'm happy to say that this big book is awe-inspiringly beautiful from cover to cover. Many times I would turn a page and gasp at the bold design, fluid line, aggressive color and sheer brilliance of composition. I know nothing about fashion, but I know what I like. If you like Mucha, Klimt, Scheile, Petty (not to mention Japanese brush and ink) you'll love this book. Even at that price, it's a bargain! ... Read more

Amazon.com

In 1953, When Audrey Hepburn burst onto the screen in Roman Holiday, she forever changed the international ideal of elegance, grace, and beauty. Suddenly, glamour and even sexiness seemed attainable for women everywhere; Audrey was uncommonly beautiful, but she was real--hers was a look anyone could aim for, but few could pull off as effortlessly or effectively. By mixing a few classic elements of "Audrey style"--the little black dress, ballet flats with slim capri pants, bold hats and sunglasses--suburban housewives became more Hollywood than Hoboken in an instant.

Here author Pamela Clarke Keogh introduces us to the woman behind the clothes, using words from friends, fellow actors, and designers who dressed her to paint a picture of a truly remarkable woman. A humanitarian, artist, friend, and above all, survivor, Audrey inspired women and men alike to approach life with spirit, grace, and simplicity. The nearly 100 color and black-and-white photographs, paired with original sketches from such fashion luminaries as Givenchy, Manolo Blahnik, and Vera Wang, show that Audrey was much more than a beautiful, well-dressed personality; her courage and individuality come shining through in every page. --Leah Ball ... Read more

Reviews (56)

For audrey fashionistas
This book is somehat hypocritical - the text urging us to find our own, individual style which is what Audrey would have wanted, among inserts urging us to slavishly imitate Audrey's clothes and makeup! The photo of the author in a very audrey-esque black turtleneck notwithstanding, this is a good effort, with wonderful photos making up for the slight and overlaudatory text. (Givenchy could have written a bit more, I thought, maybe he is not a very literary man) Check out 'Adieu Audrey', another (superior) tribute.

Fabulous tribute to a woman w/style & beauty beyond compare!
As an avid admirer of Audrey Hepburn, I have long been aware that she was not just exceptionally beautiful, but genuinely kind and generous as well. This book serves as not only a tribute to a personal grace, beauty, and stylishness beyond compare, but manages to also capture her history as a great humanitarian. I was enthralled by the elegant photographs and the insightful prose accompanying them. Like Audrey, this book is the epitome of grace, beauty, style, warmth, and substance. Exceptional subject AND exceptional author, indeed! I will return to this volume again and again for many years to come. It deserves 5+ stars!!

A perfect book about a perfect lady
I really like this book-it really shows what an absolutely beautiful lady she was-she certainly was very sensual and sexy.She knew how to project herself without going overboard-
the lady had class and it really showed.There aren't any actresses like Audrey anymore-I really miss her.

I highly recommend getting this book.

Delivery doesn't match topic
A book like this should have more pictures. The ones it does have don't have captions. The writing is fairly ameteurish but does have some interesting stuff despite being from an angle I didn't like. I didn't like the big black pages with the white lettered quotes not just because some of the quotes weren't especially good, but because you can't read the middle that is in the binding and seems to be poor quality ink or paper. All around this book is just okay, great topic, poor delivery.

The Zen of Audrey's Style
A fun book for all Audrey admirers with a gentle warning to unquestioning mimics: The essence of Audrey is not to follow. ... Read more

Book Description

Le grand couturier Yves Saint Laurent has been challenging the fashionestablishment for nearly half a century. One of the first to revolutionize street style withhis 1960s "Beat Look" collection, and credited with the creation of the pantsuit—his lesmoking, a tuxedo tailored for women, provoked the androgynous movement infashion—Saint Laurent continues to produce sexy, vibrant lines. Now, the Frenchtelevision network Canal+ has documented the making of his Spring 2002 collection forits upcoming film, 5, avenue Marceau—the address of his famed couture house. This deluxe, definitive volume follows YSL through every stage of his preparations forhis 2002 spring collections. Also included are never-before-published quotes from YSLas well as photographs from his early years and pages from his mother's scrapbook. Theclippings are lovingly annotated in her own handwriting and illustrate a personaldedication to one of fashion's greatest talents. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Not the definitive look at the universe of YSL
Though the producers and editors of this book have obviously taken great care and reverence in assembling the images seen in this hefty Rizzoli hardcover edition, it is nonetheless lacking.
There is an eight-page, albeit in very-large typeface, essay extolling the philosophy behind the decades of YSL's influence and visions of modern fashion, as well as journal entries in Yves Saint Laurent's own handwriting that are written mostly in French. There are several famous quotes from him: among them the most famous of all "there is nothing more beautiful than a naked body."

The photographs number in the hundreds, though only a handful of family photographs from YSL's childhood in Oran, Algeria are captioned with names. Otherwise, the documentary's images shot mostly in the atelier at 5 avenue Marceau are without caption or description, though you can discern the sense of creativity and endless discussion that is the process of the haute couture. The masterpieces of tailleur (suits) and flou (dresses) are often one-of-a-kind. Their numbers are usually limited to one or two copies, so the 2000 or so women who can afford the prices are not likely to see someone else wearing that same opera coat or evening gown which ends up photographed in the society pages of Paris and New York among other places. If you are paying $50,000 for a hand-embroidered Lesage suit jacket, you don't want to see it on the shoulders of a half-dozen of your fellow couture followers. Ca marche pas!

Most interestingly the editors did not include many quotes from some of Saint Laurent's inner circle, except for a small contribution from his life and business partner, Pierre Berge. There is one short blurb from Catherine Deneuve, but no words from Loulou de la Falaise or Betty Catroux, or even Marie Munoz, directrice of the YSL atelier for years. There are some very old press clippings from the 50s and 60s when YSL was hitting the peaks of creativity, but very little from the pinnacle of his career, which would be most of the 1970s. In the 70s we witnessed some of the greatest moments in fashion history with the Chinese and Russian collections that set the trends for womens' wear for years after the clothes were shown in Paris.

The book is full of images, but short on text. For those who are unfamiliar with all the innovations introduced for women's clothing, their number is second only to that of those brought forth by Coco Chanel. Saint Laurent created the women's pantsuit, the "smoking" or women's tuxedo, the trenchcoat, the safari look, khaki, the list goes on and on. Seeing the documentary would be more than helpful, as it would fill in many of the gaps.

A beautiful book that leaves you only wanting much more...

More than the man
If you are looking for a book about the designer YSL look somewhere else. If however you are interested in the flow of fashion design as done by YSL then this is a wonderful creation. To me it feels like a work of gratitude to all those involved behind the YSL name.

Who is this book for?
O.k. first, let me say, it's my own fault. With picture books it's best to have a look to see if you really want to spend the $. I didn't. I made an assumption that with YSL retiring this would be a retrospective of his glorious career. Not so. Fuzzy, boring, behind the scenes pictures of people at work in his atelier. Very few dresses and those shown aren't shown well. All in all a disappointment. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An absolute delight,for every woman who owns an LBD!
Breakfast at Tiffanys!What a super, fun and pratical book.The little black dresses legacy as an arbitor of fashion and good taste is world renowned.Practically all females and probably a large percentage of males can relate to their girlfriends overstuffed warddrobe dilemma of, I don't have a stitch to wear! Preceeded by 'Eureka' Why of course, my little black dress.I would highly recommend this delightful morsel for any fashion concious woman. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Chic but not fatal.
This book presents beautiful pictures of famous and enticing modern women: but to call them "femmes fatales" would be to mischaracterize them.

By definition, the term "femmes fatales" was coined to gorgeous women whose actions were detrimental or harmful to their men or partners. Thus, in real life a woman could be gorgeous without being fatal, or vice versa, she could be fatal without being exceptionally gorgeous. Cleopatra was one such woman, who although not extraordinarily beautiful, was able to charm two Roman generals and to lead them to their downfall.

Although hairstyle was an important component of a woman's appearance, it was certainly not the unique feature of a person. Her eyes, smile, demeanor, sleek appearance, and clothing also played important roles. Therefore, to reduce a woman's character to her hairdo, as the hairstylist-author had suggested, was to overly simplify the matter.

The women photographed in the book were certainly "chic," although not necessarily "fatal."

elegance
i really enjoyed this book, the illustrator ranee palone-flynn is my daughters aunt. we are very proud of her and her success!

how would i get the web site for the people involved in this book?
thank you
denise lavery
5 virginia place
patchogue ny 11772
631-447-6967 home
631-662-6305 alana cell

dissapointing
Because of the title The Femme Fatale, Famous Beauties Then and Now, I was expecting a sort of photographic history book. I would be very interested in seeing how the image of a Femme Fatale has changed over the years, from the glamourous pencil browed vixens of the 1920's to the much more volupt modern beauties. (Think pulp fiction novel cover vs. Catherine Zeta Jones) I would have liked to read up on how even though what is considered beautiful (and dangerous) has changed, the character of the Femme Fatale predominates our culture, in literature and film.
I really got the wrong book. Instead of what I was expecting, this book features celebrities made over to appear like they would in different time periods, and the photos are high quality, oversized and printed on slick glossy paper. Some of the transformations are very well done (the girl on the front cover is Julia Roberts, believe it or not) So the book is not without merit, but they could have done a lot more.
If I wanted to see pictures of Britney Spears, I'd just read People magazine.

I just HAD to have it!
I have been a fetish model for almost two years, and a close photographer friend and myself are kicking off a new project which showcases high end fetish photographs. While my husband was searching for a poetry book in a Barnes and Nobles store, I snuck to the photography section to see if I could be inspired for this new peoject. My eye fell on this book immediately. I looked at no other book! The photographs are simply too beautiful for words, and I was heartbroken by the cover price... Reluctantly, I put it back on the shelf. When I came home however, I searched your site immediately and found a used copy in mint condition .... Obviously, I was nothing less than thrilled!

This book is based on the photography of hair, and showcases original photographs from the 1800's as samples. Serge Normant then re-creates these by using well known models and celebraties of today, dressing them in period clothing, changing their looks dramatically.

If you are a hairdresser, model, or photographer, you MUST own this book!

Great Idea, mediocre execution
Much, if not all this material has been published elsewhere, so you may have seen it. However, it has not been presented together organized around the interesting concept that Julia Roberts, Elizabeth Hurley, Susan Sarandon, Britney Spears and a host of beautiful women are paying homage to women of a previous age. (Yes, that Britney Spears).

In an interview with a French magazine, the photographer described himself as awed or intimidated when Susan Sarandon showed up. He only relaxed when she took charge and he just responded to what he saw. The mutual respect shown by the professionals on both sides of the camera is what makes these images good.

This is not just a catalog of beatiful pictures of contemporary icons playing dress up. If it is authentic it makes a convincing statement about the power and stature of these famous modern women and a lot of not so famous all around us.

If you know a young woman who wants to be in the next book like this, show it to her. I have handed it to several young women I've photographed recently. "Oh, my God! Britney Spears is beautiful." "That can't be Claudia Schiffer." "Elizabeth Hurley scares me!" Isabella Rossellini as Betty Page is the show stopper, however.

The photography is as good as it gets, but the material added to hang it all together weakens the book. Some of it is completely contrived and bogus.

Next time let the women and the photographer do their work and let the readers draw the conclusions. Meanwhile a lot of wannabe photographers and young models have some catching up to do. ... Read more

Book Description

Recent experimental fashion has a dark side, a preoccupation with representations of death, trauma, alienation, and decay. This intriguing book looks closely at this strand of fashion design in the 1990s, exploring what its disturbing themes tell us about consumer culture and contemporary anxieties. Caroline Evans analyzes the work of experimental designers, the images of fashion photographers, and the spectacular fashion shows that developed in the final decade of the twentieth century to arrive at a new understanding of fashion's dark side and what it signifies.Fashion at the Edge considers a range of cutting-edge contemporary fashion in unprecedented depth and detail, including the work of such current designers as John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, Hussein Chalayan, and Viktor & Rolf. Contrasting images by photographers like Steven Meisel, Nick Knight, and Juergen Teller are also reviewed. Drawing on diverse perspectives from Marx to Walter Benjamin, Evans shows that fashion stands at the very center of the contemporary, and that it voices some of Western culture's deepest concerns. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Definitive account of 90s cutting-edge designers
Caroline Evans has written an important book that explores the work of cutting-edge designers of the 1990s such as Martin Margiela, Hussein Chalayan, John Galliano, Alexander McQueen and Viktor & Rolf. The book's subtitle - "Spectacle, Modernity and Deathliness" - sums up the author's focus on the underside of fashion. Evans acknowledges that much of the fashion featured in this book was "economically negligible", arguing that its cultural import is of greater significance. She explores how designers of the 90s consciously or unconsciously explored the dark history of the 20th century through their work, with death, trauma, cruelty, and horror as recurring themes.

Where is this all leading? The conclusions are doom-laden but fascinating. British designers, with their focus on "gothic fashion", may represent the ghost or shadow of rational American designers. Creatively, Evans posits a bleak future for fashion "doomed to ricochet between modernist experimentation and dark despair." In a memorable line, Evans writes: "Now, more than ever, everything new and beautiful seems to arrive already haunted by its own demise." The financial insecurity of many of these designers in their early days may have fuelled their creativity. They were, as designer and teacher Fabio Piras put it, "fashion desperadoes". This book is full of illuminating insights that put fashion design at the core of our culture, expressing our deepest concerns.

Outstandingly researched, beautifully illustrated, and thrillingly authoritative, Fashion at the Edge may prove to be the definitive book on the generation of designers from London and Antwerp who came to prominence in the 1990s. ... Read more

Book Description

Miriam Haskell began selling especially beautiful costume jewelry in 1926, and her company continues to the present. Today, the jewelry that bears her name is highly sought after and the prices keep spiraling up. Claims abound that "this is a Miriam Haskell," but is it a Miriam Haskell? This important new book gives collectors the key information to make intelligent buying decisions. It provides specific details on the art, design, style, materials, construction, and signatures, all vital to the identification and dating of Haskell jewelry. It also dispels many of the myths that allow "wanna-bes" and fakes to flourish. Over 600 beautiful color photographs display the most extensive collection of Haskell jewelry ever brought together. The jewelry is categorized by designer, specifying notable eras. The text provides notations on innovations, style preferences, and in-depth descriptions pointing to key Haskell identifiers. Readers, from casual admirers to serious collectors and dealers, will find in this comprehensive book the essential information and breathtaking pictures they seek. 8 1/2" x 11" 609 color Price guide ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A MUST FOR ALL VINTAGE JEWELRY COLLECTORS
MIRIAM HASKELL JEWELRY A Schiffer Book For Collectors - With Price Guide by Cathy Gordon & Sheila Pamfiloff just released is a must for all vintage costume jewelry collectors.

This hard cover book with dust cover has over 600 photographs
by co-author Sheila Pamfiloff unless otherwise indicated - other contributions duly noted on the acknowledgement page....text starting with the history of Miriam Haskell - to identifying and dating Haskell Jewelry - advertising and a fine example of Haskell Watercolors - on to the Haskell Designers , Frank Hess, Robert Clark, Peter Raines, Larry Vrba, to Camille Petronzio who will carry the Legacy Forward - into the future of Miriam Haskell.

Each page of this 256 tome of work is aglow with text or pictures of this exquisite work of Miriam Haskell. Cathy and Sheila
in their text and photographs have paid close attention to
showing detail plus workmanship and design even finding a group
of a collection of old Haskell filigree charts.

Chapter 3- Advertising and the Haskell Watercolors - have matched the watercolor with an actual piece of the jewerly. What
finer attribution could be shown as with the ad and the piece
of jewelry.

Great care was taken in the presentation and page set up of
this publication. Jewelry collectors of all levels will find
this work of art a must for their jewelry library. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

"Decorative Art Yearbooks" Revisited
Decorative Arts 1970's is a presentation of "[t]he fascinating history of design traced by [the] Deorative Art Yearbook (Yearbook)...printed in a somewhat revised form." Divided into 8 sections: Architecture and Interiors; Furniture; Textiles and Wallpapers; Glass; Lighting; Silver and Tableware; and Ceramics, this book offers a plethora of color and b&w images, along with somewhat limited text, which is written in English, French and German.

The book is dominated by the Architecture section, which is filled with mostly b&w (some color) photos, floorplans and useful information about the structure, the architect and the interior design. The remaining sections, all much smaller, offer examples of the pieces, their designers, measurments, materials, distributors and countries of origin. The overall layouts of these sections, while pleasing to eye, are presented in a very confuseing manner. The description of each item is numbered, but instead of numbering each photo, a "key" is offered (in a different spot on each page), which maps out the number of each photo. Furthermore, the book goes for pages at a time without page-numbers, rendering the index difficult to use.

Overall, the book presents many interesting pieces of 70's design and includes works by all the usual suspects, along with some unusual ones. I would have liked to have seen sections devoted to plastics (some of which can be found in the furniture section) and electronics (completely missing in action), but overall I am not complaining. If you are a fan of books such as "Italy: The New Domestic Landscape" and "L'utopie du Tout Plastique" you are likely to enjoy this one as well! ... Read more

Book Description

From the classrooms of top fashion schools to the studios of talented designers, this book takes kids on an inspiring tour of the dynamic world of fashion design. Replete with colorful photographs and facts about the history and the future of fashion, it even shows readers how to get started now. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Really nice book!
This is a really nice book. Lots of glossy color photos of star designers add to the enjoyment of reading this book. It's great for little or big girls interested in fashion. I especially liked the story of the little girl who made up a new kind of mitten. She's been very successful with her efforts. It shows that not everyone has to go to design school to be a success in the field.

great color pictures
This book is a great way to see how fashion works and all the things that is in the job the pictures are great if youre thinking about being a fashion designer than you need to buy this

Fashion Fantastic!
This book was excellent. It has all the criteria that is needed to fulfill any book on this specific topic. Fashion designing is one of my most enjoyed hobbies and this book has done it all. From sewing to buying, this book suits anyone. I recommend it to anyone - whether you do or don't like clothes. It is perfect!~ If you have ever read the book, "Fashion Sketchbook" and loved it, than you will like this one a whole lot more. "Fashion Sketchbook" got a four-star review and I rate this book five-star. Enjoy this book, it is full of helpful hints on every fashion flaw there is. So...get reading! ... Read more

Book Description

Written by a seasoned professional Fashion Designer, this comprehensive reference covers all the technical aspects of developing precise professional patterns for garments. The focus throughout is on the procedures and principles of professional flat patternmaking using Basic Slopes (i.e., Pattern Blocks, Master Patterns, or Foundation Patterns), and on cutting and testing each completed pattern in tissue, pinned on the form completely marked. The exceptionally clear and visually detailed illustrations can easily be understood by readers without having to read the accompanying text. All the patterns diagrammed are shown in the exact stages and sequence of development--from plot to completion--including all necessary markings, such as punch holes, notches, seams, and grain lines.All About Patterns. Introduction to Pattern Making. CAD. Preparing the Form for Measurement. Drafting Basic Slopers from Measurements. All About Slopers. Sub-Sloper Development. Dart Manipulation: Pivot and Slash (Bodices; Skirts; Sleeves; Collars: Concave, Convex, and Straight; Flat and Stand Variations; Sleeve Bodice Combinations: Fitted and Deep Armhole Variations; Shirt; Suit-Coat; Capes and Hoods; Pant--Culotte-Shorts; Jumpsuits; and Dresses). Garment Details--Construction and Finishing (Buttons and Buttonholes; Seam Finishes; Hem Finishes; Buttons, Hooks and Eyes, Snaps; Basting Stitches). Figure Analysis: Bodytypes. Overview of the Fashion Industry.For fashion design students, professional designers, and anyone in the business of fashion design, regardless of their level of expertise. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Not Comprehensive as the Title Claimed
Anyone looking for a comprehensive pattern making would be better off go for other books i.e. that of Helen Joseph Armstrong, or Winifred Aldrich.

Basic Sloper in page 34 where HI measurement (chest line) is taken 3 in below A (neck point) seems to be too generic for a comprehensive pattern book, I suppose.

There is no children pattern included in this Comprehensive book either. ... Read more

Book Description

From rare issues of the Fashion Service Review: sharply detailed, easy-to-reproduce spots of authentic period apparel for men, women and children. Suits, dresses, coats, hats, shoes, neckties, swimwear, tuxedos and evening gowns, fur stoles, sweaters, pajamas, gloves, handbags, jewelry, undergarments and much more.
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Reviews (1)

Authentic 1930's fashion illustrations
This is a very good reference book. It does not show you the little details that photo books of fashion can provide, but the illustrations give you a good feel for the attitude of 1930s fashion. It is full of pen&ink style renderings of men,women and children's clothing. The drawings are also copyright free.... ... Read more

Book Description

Alex Madsen brings to life Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel, the queen of fashion who revolutionized women's styles forever.
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Reviews (2)

tough read
I'm still reading but wanted to mention that if you have never taken a French class, it is very hard to pronounce most of the names in the book.

Although very insightful finding it a hard read.

Fascinating book, full of details and historically correct.
This book was extremely interesting to read. Considering Chanel's habbit of often lying about her past, many biographers had given up on trying to tell her story. That's probably why the book lacks reasoning behind certain facts of her life, although the author did the best he could to provide his own viewpoint about some of the unenswered questions. The book is wonderful and it leaves the reader with plenty of room to use his/her own imagination to reveal some of the mysteries behind Chanel's great genious. ... Read more

Book Description

Alan Flusser, one of America's foremost menswear designers, knows fine clothes and where to buy them. He shares all this in his insightful and elegantly written treatise for the man interested in savvy attire. Tuck this volume into a corner of your suitcase and you'll be armed with a connoisseur's knowledge of the dos and don'ts of buying and wearing quality clothes and how much they should cost, from dinnerwear to casual sportswear. Open Style and the Man and learn about:

• what to wear when you shop and why
• the difference between a $395 and a $1,000 suit (and how to make sure you're getting your money's worth)
• what two words to look for on a costly dress shirt's label
• why the folds in a cummerbund should always be worn facing upward
• how to recognize sports clothes capable of providing stylish longevity

Turn to the author's 200 favorite men's stores spanning seventeen cities in eight countries' both celebrated designer flagships and tiny shops known only to a privileged few and discover:

• the little-known New York store that sells shoes that offer instant "cachet"
• where the fashion set goes for the best T-shirt

In Style and the Man, Alan Flusser has created the perfect traveling companion for those men wishing to expand their sartorial knowledge as well as their wardrobe. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Source of Valuable Men's Clothing Information
As other reviewers have noted, this book is really two books. One is a guide to the style of fine men's clothes, the other tells where to buy them. Most people will probably find the style information in the beginning the most useful part.

One reviewer thought that the author left out certain points of view on style issues. It is true, for example, that the author recommends only the four-in-hand tie knot, and not the questionable half-Windsor. I think that he makes a good case for the four-in-hand being better looking, anyway. You certainly won't go wrong following the author's conservative clothing advice.

There is good information on wearing difficult clothes properly, such as the bow tie, handkerchief, etc. The book also describes how to buy clothes and judge their quality.

I think that the style information could be expanded and spun-off into its own book. The shopping information could stand on its own as a travel guide quite well. I would reccommend this book, however. It seems to be the best of its kind.

A guide for all of us...
While it's true that Flusser's book contains a guide to some of the most expensive menswear in the world, it's silly to downgrade the book for that reason. By telling you about suit construction, Flusser makes it possible to buy good cloths inexpensively by showing you what to look for. Admittedly the second part of this book is a guide to "the best" available, but it's still interesting to read and instructional even if I'll never buy a suit in Milan (and I won't).

Terrible
What if you live outside of New York? This book isn't applicable for anyone outside "The City." Buy a book from John Bridges instead.

Overrated book
I bought this book a year ago, mainly because of its high ratings. But I was disappointed. I read it once and I found the style of writing outdated and the content not so useful: many addresses where you should buy things, but how useful is that? I don't live nearby these places, and I want to learn WHY you should buy certain things so that I can decide for myself what is good to buy and what not. Such info is given only very briefly.

An ageing shopping guide for dandies
If you're seeking information on how to tell fine menswear from bad, skip this book and go directly to Flusser's new one.

If you're a would-be dandy looking for information on where to buy men's furnishings around the world, buy the book (with a minor caution). Many of the stores in the U.S. have relocated and some have closed.

On the other hand, I've used it to find choices in London and Paris that I would never have known about otherwise. And once you've made the initial investment in the measurements, you can patronize many of these establishments by telephone.

A number of earlier reviews criticise Flusser for focusing on the finest quality and most expensive clothing in the world. It is, and he does. But for people who do or want to play that game, it's still the best source of information. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

An excellent costuming resource
I found this book educational and stimulating. Perhaps it's best feature was the combination of historical detail with instructions for practical application. The patterns can be a bit confusing, as can some of her terminology. Both of those hurdles can be overcome with a little patience. This is not a book for the beginning costumer, but I was able to utilize it very well at an intermediate level. For anyone interested in stage costuming technique I'd say this book is a must. It also contains detailed and illustrated instructions for fitting a bodice. WaHey!

Costumes for theatre
i just recieved this book and i love it. I noticed that a couple of things were different because it was an english print but i thought it is one of the most resourcful books to have. i love to make period clothing from the victorian age and this book was a good source for me on clothing from that period.

The best reference to costume construction I have found yet!
I believe that Jean Hunnisett has some of the best resources available to the modern dressmaker. I have been trying to find ways of making dresses of certain periods and this book takes a person step-by-step through how to make clothing; from corsets to crinolines to the actual dresses themselves. She shows how to make a variety of styles from one pattern and actually has scaled models of the patterns that are needed to make the articles of clothing. The only information that is not provided in the book is how and where to modify the pattern to make is fit someone that does not have her size. But with common sense and a little patience a person can figure it out. This book is a must for any costume designer or even the intrigued dressmaker looking for a challenge ... Read more