Book Description

Over 700 illustrations, detailed descriptions, and prices for a vast array of upscale women’s clothing and accessories appear among these highlights from rare 1920s B. Altman & Company catalogs. Stylized drawings of flappers depict sophisticated evening dresses, bathing suits, cloche hats, shoes, and much more. A selection of formal and casual attire for men and children appears as well. A first-rate, authentic style record of the Jazz Age. Over 700 black-and-white illus.
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Reviews (3)

What the well dressed Flapper was wearing in the 1920s
"1920s Fashions from B. Altman & Company" provides over 700 black & white illustrations, detailed descriptions, and prices for clothing for the upper class of the Jazz Age. The focus is primarily on women's clothing and accessories, with everything from sophisticated evening wear to bathing suits, but you will also find a complete array of clothing for men and children as well. Please remember, because they buy directly from the manufacturer, "thus eliminating the no inconsiderable profits of the middleman," B. Altman & Company are able to offer patrons the benefit of the savings. This is a superb record of the styles worn by flappers in the Roaring Twenties; note than this is not simply the reproduction of a catalog from a particular year, but has fashion culled from the B. Altman catalogs of the entire decade. Interesting Footnote: The B. Altman & Company Department Store is now the New York Public Library Science, Industry & Business Library. Dover also has a reprint edition of "Altman's Spring and Summer Fashions Catalog, 1915," which records the fashions worn in the United States in the years before the First World War. This volume will be of interest to the fashion historian and of great use to costume designers working with this period of American History.

A book for 1920's fashion fans!
This is a lovely book of a wide variety of catalog drawings and photos from the B. Altman Company which carried higher quality items as compared to the Sears catalog books. There are men's and women's clothes and childrens clothes, hats, undergarments, stockings, shoes...A real treat if you are interested in what the upper middle class might have worn. And everything progresses by the year, so you can see how the fashions developed.

blah
this is a vey good book blah blah blah blah! BLAH BLAH BLAH ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (3)

Killer Cool!
Let's admit it, guys. Buried deep inside each one of us, no matter how bald, how plump, how short, how ugly, or how sartorially tasteless, is a James Bond trying to get out.

DRESSED TO KILL explores the mystique of Bond in a tasteful coffee-table edition crammed full of rare photographs and enjoyable essays addressing the age old question of just what suits a man.

It wasn't until I read this book that I realized the profound cultural impact which the Bond movies had and have, and the deep and lasting impact they'd had on me, personally, and how they'd unconsciously formed the basis of my impressions of male style.

From the suited hero of the 40's, 50's and 60's (witness Cary Grant), to the styleless 70's (Roger Moore's mod Bond looks just a little ridiculous amongst the Jermyn Street of Connery and the Brioni of Brosnan), the suited antihero of the 80's (and his doppleganger the antisuited hero of the "Die Hard" and Indiana Jones ilk), into the 90's and the new millennium, this ultimately enjoyable book is a paean to the way we all want to look. Gentlemen, fold your pocket squares!

How many steps is it from a boy in a sport jacket pretending to be Bond to an Armani man carrying a slim black briefcase? Not so far as you'd think. Rate this one FIFTY GOLD SOVEREIGNS.

Can you let it out around the crotch?
Imagine, a hero that can be shot in the ankle and still go slow dancing just moments later. A hero, who goes to The Fort Knox mosh pit and comes out looking crisp & unwrinkled. A dashing self made lover and chauvinist who would never leave a stain on his or anyone elses attire. Of course, James Bond is alive & well - after 35 or so years this wonderful publication documents his style, grace and things that make him oh so Bondian. Chock full of never before seen pics, this is a must for Bond and Cinema fans as well.Travel through the fast paced 60's as Sean Connery takes you on a terrific ride filled with style and substance. Hold tight through the 70's and 80's as the decades that style forgot and thankfully return to Pierce Brosnan and Brioni and the look that is legendary. James Bond is Back, and Mr. McInerney has him. Highest Rating!

Pictures, Prose, and Secret-Agent Style

Analyses of James Bond seem to fall into two categories: analytical or anecdotal. The former is the most common -- generally consisting of a look into such quantitative topics as what kind of cigarettes he smokes, how he prepares his martinis, and other easily categorized trivia. But such an analysis -- while thoroughly enjoyable -- never seems to answer the larger question that looms in everyone's mind: "Just why is this guy so cool?"

"Dressed to Kill: James Bond, The Suited Hero" does an admirable job of handling this question. Half a collection of essays, and half a picture-laden coffee table book, "Dressed to Kill" purports to examine the way 007 attires himself and how this has both borrowed from the heroes of the past and contributed to the heroes of the present.

Four essays on Bond are sprinkled throughout the book, written by authors like Jay McIrnery and Nick Sullivan. The essays range from rambling expositions of a boy's love for the hero his parents forbade him to watch, to an almost scholarly look at Bond's dressing habits and how this has contributed to the character.

But the real stars are the pictures. Compiled within "Dressed to Kill" is perhaps the best collection of Bond pictures this side of Cubby Brocolli's personal photo album. The pictures range from Dr. No to GoldenEye, from publicity stills to advertising copy, from black-and-white to color, and they neatly explain the mystique of 007 at a level that the essays never reach. The pictures have been culled from the EON Picture Archive and other collections, and each includes a knowledgeable quote explaining just what 007 is wearing and why.

While Bond receives star billing, the book does try to expand the examination to "the suited hero" in general. Non-bond pictures include such figures as James Coburn as Our Man Flint, Alan Ladd (he had his suits tailored to make him look taller), Humprhey Bogart from Casablanca (the predecessor to Bond's "tuxedo in the midst of chaos" look), and such anti-suits as Bruce Willis from Die Hard and Harrison Ford from Indiana Jones. In discussing the latter two, and Hollywood's eschewing of the suit, Neil Norman writes:

"At the same time, a curious thing happened. The suit wouldn't die. It simply transferred its allegiance from hero to villain. Paul Freeman's villainous Frenchman Belloq, in Raiders, confronted Indy in an immaculate linen suit. And the moment that Alan Rickman strode on to the screen to do battle Bruce Willis's slobbily attired cop hero, villainy meant tailoring sharp enough to slash your wrists on."

In and around the essays are picture-filled asides devoted to topics like Bond's three-piece suits, his sport coats, his naval style, and his tuxedo bow ties:

"The width remains fairly constant while the depth rises and falls, beginning with Sean Connery's 'Slim Jims' up to Roger Moore's velvet high of 1974, and gradually shrinking back down to Timothy Dalton's restrained 1987 version, before deepening yet again for GoldenEye."

"Dressed to Kill" is a wonderful celebration of everyone's favorite secret agent. If you can't tell an Armani from a Brioni, or if you can't tell in which film Bond's "lightweight suit, whose cut, along with the curled trilby hat, gives him the look of a traveling businessman," then it's time for you to give up your underwear and T-shirt look just long enough to get to a bookstore.

(Deane Barker is the forum manager for The World of James Bond on The Microsoft Network ... Read more

Book Description

In this generously illustrated book, Anne Hollanderexamines therepresentation of the body and clothing in Western art, from Greeksculpture andvase painting through medieval and renaissance portraits, tocontemporary filmsand fashion photography. First published ahead of its time, this bookhas becomea classic. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A triple entendre
1. Seing through the clothes to the underlying anatomy and how this time specific anatomy was handled. Pregnancy an interesting challenge.

2. Seeing through the clothes the statement clothes are making. Glory, nobility, godliness, but mostly invidious comparisons in my judgement.

3. Through the clothes just seeing. Until this book I had no idea how limited my visual apparatus was. The impoverished Blessed Family clothed in well draped woolens going at fifty dollars a yard, never something out of Filene's.

The book is a palatable reductionism of civilisation with the usual shortcomings, but the pschological impact is unique. No book has transformed me in a more fundamental way.

An Analysis of Changing Ideals of Beauty.
Hollander brings an art historian's eye to this survey of the history of Western European costume. Her interest lies less in historical detail than in the ways in which the governing esthetic of what makes a man handsome, or a woman beautiful, has changed over time and in how those changes have been reflected in costume and art. Occasionally, Hollander badgers the reader with a personal theory that is not adequately supported by the information she provides in the text, but most of the book is informative and thought-provoking. If you already have a general knowledge of historic costume, you will find much to interest you in Hollander's book.

The history of dress is made interesting by Anne Hollander.
This book is an enjoyable read on the history of clothing. I found this book in the midst of researching my thesis on the history of Italian Renaissance clothing. Hollander makes some intersesting observations of the effect Hollywood has on the general publics visual perceptions of various historical periods. Although she has a lot to say not everything is very well researched. If your intent is scholarly research, take everything with a grain of salt. If your intent is entertainment this is an excellent history of clothing. I very much enjoyed reading this book. If you are looking into the history of dress I also suggest a book by Elizabeth Birbari, Dress in Renaissance Italy. The Birbari is very hard to find, but well worth it once it is found. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

So many ideas so little time
Not the best for what I do but oh the ideas! I was looking for more historical information and ways to research but what i got in this book was a great trade-off. Basic and advanced information of costume construction and how to get a look when the materials you need can not be found. Awesome. I use it over and over!

Priceless source of creative inspiration and information
For persistent and passionate costumers of all kinds, this book is a costuming index. A college textbook, it has chapters on a wide variety of topics, including millinery, shoemaking, pattern design, fitting and tailoring, underpinnings, wigmaking, fabrics, materials, and equipment. It focuses on sturdy theater costuming techniques, information that is so useful and applicable in many other areas of costuming. ... Read more

Book Description

Among the most evocative items to be discovered by archaeologists are the scraps of silk and wool and other fabrics that signal so eloquently their owner's status and concerns. Such clothing and textile finds have figured prominently in excavations of medieval sites in London in the past two decades; they have included knitting, tapestries, silk hair-nets and elaborately patterned oriental, Islamic and Italian fabrics, which reveal for the first time the wide range of cloths available to medieval Londoners; there are beautifully made buttons, and buttonholes and edgings which display superb craftsmanship and a high level of needlework skills; the way that clothes were cut and sewn can be studied in detail. This highly readable account will be of wide general interest; dress historians and archaeologists will also find a wealth of new insights into the fashions, clothing and textile industries of medieval England and Europe.First published in 1992 Contents include: The Excavations, Techniques used in Textile Production, Wool Textiles, Goathair Textiles, Linen Textiles, Silk Textiles, Mixed Cloths, Narrow Wares, Sewing Techniques and Tailoring, Dyes.THE AUTHORS Past and present staff of the Museum of London. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The Authenticists Bible
Yes, this is it. This series of books (4 so far) is the bible as far as historical recreation is concerned. Yes, it is wonderfully detailed. Yes, it has great examples of how to make/cut/do a lot of clothing related details.. but to quote another historical author "Sometimes the Museum of London folks are just flying kites".

Take, for example, the pattern and redrawing of the fitted 14th century dress. The pattern given in MOL:T&C is from one of the Greenland tunics. In fact, according to Robin Netherton, it's a redrawing of tunic that the is attributed as a man's tunic that isn't particularly fitted. There just isn't enough evidence to say that a tunic from Greenland is a good indication of fashion in mainland Europe.

That said, this is a fantastic resource. It should be in every recreationists library. But reader beware not everything in it is exactly 100% accurate.

Textiles & Clothing - Excellent resource!
Textiles & Clothing is an Excellent resource for all who are interested in historic research of Textiles and Clothing. The book shows detailed pictures of artifacts excavated from London as well as reconstructive drawings showing weave and knitting structures. This is book 4 of the series. Others in series - Knives & Scabbards; Dress Accessories; Shoes & Pattens. All are great reference books. ... Read more

Book Description

Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis is the ultimate American fashion icon.Jay Mulvaney, author of Kennedy Weddings, celebrates her unique style in this lavishly illustrated book.

JACKIE: The Clothes of Camelot is a richly illustrated history of those magical years when the Kennedys captivated a nation and the world.Her glamour was electric, her style imaginative, and the effect was brilliant. Jacqueline Kennedy's fashions from the White House years, over two hundred outfits, are illustrated with three hundred photographs, in both black and white and color, many previously unpublished or rarely seen. Also included are photographs of jewelry and accessories as well as memorabilia, all exploring the continuing impact of Jackie's fashion sensibility on our culture.

The range of illustrations and text is broad, including:

Early Fashion Influences
The Inauguration Ensembles
Gowns for State Events
The Wardrobe for State Visits Abroad
Private Living and Casual Wear
French Designers: Haute Couture in the White House
November 1963
Mrs. Onassis and the Post-Camelot Years

JACKIE: The Clothes of Camelot is a striking portrait of an unforgettable fashion legend.
... Read more

Reviews (22)

A GLORIOUS look at the fashion life of a legend...
JACKIE THE CLOTHES OF CAMELOT is a work of perfection from the very first page (when you open the book there are some gorgeous "extra" photos of Jackie to the very last page where there's a very touching picture of Jackie taken a few days before her death...looking peaceful, serene and beautiful.

I've read all three of the books that have recently come out on this subject and, while they all are good, this one is the BEST BY FAR. Jacqueline Kennedy the White House Years, the official catalogue, is just that, a catalogue, and not a book and it doesn't include MOST of the clothes that Jackie wore during her time in the White House. What's even more confusing is that the book doesn't include all of the interesting documentation about her work in the White House that is included in the exhibit at the Met. Why is that I wonder? And Jackie Style is a stylish book, but a little to flip for my taste and it barely skims the surface of Jackie's extraordinary life and has a sparse set of photographs, although some of them are rarely seen, it's because they frankly aren't that good...

But this book is wonderful...dozens and dozens of wonderful photographs, with vivid color and including her entire White House years, a look at her early years and the fashion influences that helped shape her style. It also includes a section on her post-Camelot years where we can see Jackie age so gracefully...

Then there are the stories of her life, and her remarkable contributions to American culture and history. These stories are so interesting, written with wit, insight and a lot of inside information.

This book is a WINNER!

A LAVISH TRIBUTE, AS ELEGANT AS THE LADY HERSELF
Jay Mulvaney has worked magic in his tribute to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. This book, with a huge number of never before seen photos, is like an illustrated history of the Camelot era...and the book brings the romance, hope and promise of those times back to life, in black and white and vivid color.

More than the pictures though, are the words...choice little stories that recount the history behind Jackie's wonderful work in the White House...each "photo caption" (it seems unfair to call them that, they're so much more) is a little vignette that illustrates in words what the photographs show us.

Jackie did so much in such a short period of time, and this book captures her magical essence...

Truly a MUST HAVE for anyone interested in Jackie, in fashion, in history, in style and beauty.

Excellent record of 60's style as seen thru the eyes of JO
I am not a die-hard Jackie O fan, but I love fashion in general. I have always thought of Jackie O as a fashion icon, and wanted to learn more about her. Until now, I have never seen a book that pictorally does her sense of style justice. However, in this book there are enough photographs both in black and white and in color to satisfy any fashion junkie or Jackie O fan. No matter what the situation, Jackie O was always appropriately and fashionably attired. This book does an excellent job of showing this by portraying her clothing choices through the years and in a variety of categories. This book does not go into great detail about Jackie O as a person or historical figure, I don't think it was written with those objectives in mind, but it should satisfy the fashion cravings of most people. I highly recommend it.

Chic at its best!
Who else, in all the other First Ladies, could have worn all those beautiful clothes with the chic and style Jackie had! Not many I guess. In this beautiful book, there are some never seen before pictures, that demonstrates what elegance in fashion is all about. It will take a long time before we can see that again in the White House. I treasure that book that makes me relive that unique period of refinement and class that once was in the White House, thanks to Jackie!

Not worthy
I reckon this book doesn't worthy the money if you already have "A Thousand Days of Magic: Dressing Jackie Kennedy for the White House" by Oleg Cassini, or if you don't have "A Thousand Days of Magic", I strongly recommend it instead of this one. 90% of the pictures and sketches of Jackie's clothes are also included in "A thousand Days of Magic", which provides a much larger collection of her wardrobes/pictures and more detailed illustration of the design and her style. The outline and paper quality of "A Thousand Days of Magic" are also much better than this one, which is poorly presented by surrounding the pictures with lots of words. I very much regret that I bought this book :( ... Read more

Book Description

From the moment he arrived at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Gilbert Adrian established himself as a Hollywood fashion force. Believing that costume can mirror a character's mood, he transformed his leading ladies into icons of style: Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford, Jean Harlow, and many others relied on Adrian to help them interpret their roles and make them glamorous.

The result of 10 years of research, including exclusive celebrity interviews and access to the studio's files, this lovingly assembled, lavishly illustrated volume is the first to trace Adrian's incredible career at MGM and his influence on American fashion.

Featuring pristine duotone photographs-many never before published-from classics such as Grand Hotel, Queen Christina, The Women, and The Philadelphia Story, as well as costume sketches and a step-by-step rendering of a dress for Garbo, the book is as breathtaking as an Adrian gown.
183 illustrations, 174 in duotone, 9 in full color, 208 pages, 9 x 113/4" ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Hollywood Glamour At Its Best
On the surface tackling a subject like fashion designer Adrian might seem like an easy project. However, it becomes very apparent that this could not be further from the truth. The Adrian touch was imprinted on virtually all costumes designed for MGM films during his lengthy tenure at the studio.
Aside from the obvious consideration that the clothes he designed had to showcase MGM's roster of stars, this book accentuates the subtleties that cinema fashions require to place special emphasis not only on the actor/actress, but the parts they are playing.
Howard Gutner manages to cover a lot of ground by providing detailed descriptions of costumes designed for specific actors and the challenges which Adrian encountered. I found myself falling in love with the exquisite details of specific gowns such as those designed for the production of Marie Antoinette. I was also amazed by the sheer volume of costumes the studio (under Adrian's guidance) produced. Gutner's review of Adrian's work and his careful and caring research made this book a delightful read as well as a delight for the eyes. By the end of the book, I came to appreciate and understand the field of costume design and see it as an integral part of movie production. It certainly validated the awarding of Oscars for this category.
Adrian's artistic gifts and his sensitivity toward his subjects gave me an appreciation for his work.

A terrific book!
This is a great book that showcases the talents of MGM fashion designer Gilbert Adrian. Here we read about his early days as a designer and his successful tenure at MGM during its glory years, 1928-1941. The book initially begins with the birth of MGM and how Adrian's arrival helped to transform the fledgling studio's wardrobe department into the epitome of Hollywood style and sophistication. There are in depth chapters on Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford and Norma Shearer, three of MGM's biggest stars. There are detailed descriptions and sketches of the clothes they wore in some of their best known films including Garbo's "Camille", Crawford's "Letty Lynton" and Shearer's "Marie Antoinette". There is also an entire chapter devoted to the costumes that were designed for the 1939 hit "The Women". The final chapter describes Adrian's last days at MGM before embarking on other successful endeavors. This is a terrific book filled with rare sketches and numerous photos of other major MGM stars including Jean Harlow, Katharine Hepburn and Rosalind Russell. The sole focus of this book is strictly on the women's fashions at MGM, but there are also photos of Adrian and pictures of stars like John Barrymore, Melvyn Douglas and Rudolph Valentino posing with their leading ladies. Howard Gutner did an excellent job of compiling these wonderful photos and informative descriptions. This is a superb book and a recommended purchase!

A Memorable Journey
This is an exceptional book that covers an amazing era in Hollywood films. The book obviously has been extensively researched and is extremely well written. The author has gone to great lengths to bring the costumes of Adrian alive, both in the text and in the extraordinary photographs. It is a book that should be read by those interested in costume design for film, Hollywood of the twenties and thirties, and in particular, the unique talent of Adrian. Adrian set a standard in costume design for film that, arguably, has not been matched, and the author has done him a great service with this beautiful book.

BEAUTIFUL TRIBUTE TO A MASTER CRAFTSMAN.
To be honest, I haven't actually read this book yet. Since the previous reviewers/commentators have covered all the bases regarding this volume let me just say that GOWNS BY ADRIAN is a beautiful book with many lovely photos that have been lovingly reproduced (no dupey quality here!).

My only regret - and the reason for the 4 star rating - is that the majority of the photos are of Adrian's "modern time" creations. I would have loved to have seen more data/pictures from his costume pictures. To be sure MARIE ANTOINETTE is hi-lighted -- but it would have been terrific to have seen his splendid gowns for the other costume epics he created while at MGM.

A treasure, dahlings, an absolute treasure
I have two favourite things to do - sew doll clothes and study classic cinema, and this book inspires both. I didn't know much about Adrian before - I was always seeing his name in credits for MGM movies, and when I heard about this book I thought, "Hey, let's get it from the library and see what it's all about." I was completely pulled into the book right away.

There is a lot of text, all very informative and easy to read, and it is perfectly balanced by a whole parade of sumptuous black and white photographs of ladies gowned by Adrian, movie stills of the ladies in his designs, and several of Adrian's sketches for the dresses. I have looked at this book so many times and always find something new and interesting. I'm working on reading through it, but I am always reading here and there in it anyway, and in the filmography in the back I've been underlining the titles of all the movies he designed for that I have seen. (Quite a few, but not nearly all!) I am beginning to be able to tell just from looking at a dress in a movie whether it's one of Adrian's or not - and that's not just because I'm hearing the lion roar before the credits, either - he had a very definitive style, and when you expose yourself to enough of it, you immediately recognise it. Adrian could be bizarre and innovative in a very classy way. He knew what was right for the actress who would wear the dress, knew how to make the dresses play into the scenes in which they would be worn. He also believed that a dress should have "one note", or one thing about it that stood out and made it unique from any other gown - beading, embroidery, whatever - and I think that this is why even his more ordinary gowns had a certain look to them.

This book is an education and a delight and everyone interested in fashion history, movie history, or just beautiful things should have this on their coffee table. ... Read more

Book Description

Get whimsical with this pair of wearables from the bestselling Jacket Jazz series of books! Take a fresh look at two wildly popular patterns, updated in today’s fun fabrics and colors.

• Create long or short versions of Judy Murrah’s dazzling jacket and vest designs

• Discover easy techniques for piecing, couching, beading, gathering, and embellishing

• Construct each garment with step-by-step directions, color illustrations, and pullout patterns ... Read more

Book Description

From one of Canada's most acclaimed biographers, a deliciously wicked and revealing look at five women who were icons of style:

 ¸  Eugénie, Empress of France

 ¸  Elinor Glyn, successful pulp novelist

 ¸  Marlene Dietrich, the most imitated woman in the world

 ¸  Wallis Simpson, the woman the King could not live without

 ¸  and Jackie Kennedy, the enigmatic First Lady who influenced women's fashion for decades to come

Marian Fowler takes us along as she peers into a great many wardrobes, hat boxes and jewel cases to reveal how these five extraordinary women wrote their life stories in the universal language of clothes.

Reviews (3)

fluffy but well done
It's a bit fluffy and shallow, and Fowler's attempts to psychoanalyse her subjects tend to fall flat, but she still manages to educate and entertain. I did wonder about her portrayal of Jackie Onassis and of the Duchess of Windsor, both of whom came off looking like truly dreadful people. IMHO the sections on Elinor Glyn and Marlene Dietrich are the best.

(I think the Consuelo referred to in the book as Elinor Glyn's friend is Consuelo Yznaga, who was in fact Duchess of Manchester. Consuelo Vanderbilt was duchess of Marlborough. Both are profiled in Fowler's "In A Gilded Cage.")

An Absolutely Delicious Read
This is a book that traces the lives a five women through their use of clothing as a means to achieve power.The book does not focus on their charitable activities, their acts of kindness, their good deeds and works - nor should it;such information is readily available elsewhere. Sadly,because the book describes how these women defined their places in the world via externals (fabrics, jewels, and the like), it's easy to dismiss the women as shallow, but those who do are missing the point of the book entirely.The author describes in great detail how clothing radiates primal signals and symbols, as well as how these women were masters of the art of communicating what they wished through this means.And not only is the infomation pithy and satisfying, the author's writing style is an absolute delight.I'm frankly surprised that this book is out of print because I think it's a classic.One of the most interesting books I've come across in a long time.

Style? No: greed, obsession and ridiculousness.
Marian Fowler's book is very educational in a National-Enquirer/Star Magazine kind of way: lots of dirt, not much substance but overall a good read if you are looking for a relaxing book that doesn't challenge you to think too much.

The five women depicted were shown in a different light than ever brought forth before: clothes were an unhealthy obsession for these women as their pursuit for the "perfect outfit" ruled their lives. Perhaps this is how they dealt with their insecurities,but over-all, all of these women were protrayed as shallow, useless human beings.

Should this book ever go to a second edition, it would not surprise me that Diana, Princess of Wales would be included as a sixth chapter as there are shades of her insecurities and love of clothes in all the women presented....she would fit in nicely.

I DID enjoy it although her use of little known adjectives (ex: solipism) sent me to the dictionary and I am an avid reader. One small error though that must have slipped by the author: Consuelo Vanderbilt was the Duchess of Marlborough, not the Duchess of MANCHESTER.... Fowler should know as she wrote a book on Blenheim Castle! ... Read more

Book Description

Swiss photographer Bruno Bisang has been on a life-long artistic quest to document the unending, multi-faceted varieties of the feminine mystique. His photographs are more than mere idealizations of the female form. They are expressions of Bisang's desire to record the independent spirit of his subjects - international models and celebrities such as Claudia Schiffer, Tyra Banks, and Monica Bellucci. This collection of exquisitely observed nude studies is a luminous distillation of essence and form,"a record of women's radiance"that expresses Bisang's belief that "Every woman possesses a fount of femininity and unique sensuality". ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Bravo to Bisang and Teneues!
Sensitively rendered yet erotically charged images of the female form, made all the more sublime by stunningly high production values.Oversize format, exquisite printing, and superlative content combine to make this a monograph instant classic. ... Read more

Book Description

Carefully researched, meticulously detailed account of the style and construction of period costumes. Includes descriptions and illustrations of royal apparel, elaborate ecclesiastical dress and vestments, academic and legal garments and civilian dress of all classes. Also discusses jewelry, armor, textiles, embroidery and hairdressing.
... Read more

Reviews (12)

A great place to start
Houston's book seems to be an excellent overview of the costume of the late medieval period. While it doesn't delve much into the actual construction of the clothing (i.e. patterns, stitching, etc.), it's quite good at giving a solid visual representation of the changes that occurred during these centuries, and as such I think it's a great starting point for study.

As other reviewers have mentioned, the illustrations in here are redrawn from primary sources, so serious students of costuming will want to look at the primary sources whenever possible. Most will also need to seek out other sources to find better information on the construction of the clothing as well. But even so, this book is so inexpensively priced that I can't find too much to quibble about. Anyone, especially beginners, can buy it as an introduction and then move on to more detailed sources later.

A Fount of Information!
This is a great book for anyone interested in the clothing of this period. It's an easy read, and there's lots of patterns printed, in addition to pictures of people wearing the fashions. It allows you to see clearly the progression of fashion from 1200 to 1500.

Great book for beginning researchers!
Absolutely love this book. Though it is simple, I feel it's one of the essential clothing books if you're doing recreations. The layouts are great, the explanations well-done, and there are easy-to-follow diagrams for patterns. Documentation in the form of illuminated manuscripts and rubbings from funerary monuments, etc, also are VERY helpful. Personally, I don't make a single thing without consulting this book at least once!

Please save your pennies
I bought this book because I needed a read and was busted at the time. This book reminds me of my 10th grade reasearch paper. Short clips, pictures second hand. It contained very little actual information on the period,reasons or construction. I give it one point for effort and another because it has pictures. It might be good for an elementary school or junior high library to do a short paper with. Otherwise save your pennies.

Useful and unusual points of wiev, for all studies of dress
Easy to understand and with material suited for reenactors or makers of theatrical costume, the writer shows a sincerity for research in costume history that also makes this work suitable as a complementary book for serious studies. Illustrated with linedrawings and diagrams of construction. The diagrams are mostly based on conjecture and reconstruction work, as preserwed items of clothing from this period is extremely rare. Also shows armour and heraldry. Normally i dissaprove of illustations that are drawn after an original instead of reproducing them, but as the book was first printed in 1939, when photographic illustarations was a technical and economical luxury, and the writer gives the exact sources of the originals for the drawings, this book is an exeption for me. Normally I'm also sceptical towards reconstructions, but the writer is so straightforward about the fact that they are reconstructions, and by giving not only the result but the process of reasoning that leed to them, she gives the reader an opportunity to agre or dissagre with her. Personaly I'm inclined to agree with her reasoning as to how garments may have been constructed and why it looked and was done in that way.As an example she points out that techniques to bee considered must be wieved not from our present position but bee based on what was done in the preceeding period. What is a reasonable change? One may wish for a rewrite with all this sincerety and clear reasoning applied to more recent research material but untill that has been doone this is the book that provides many unusual and useful points of view on the subject. ... Read more

Book Description

A must for any collector, dealer, or enthusiast of Oriental rugs and the perfect guide to a new appreciation of their extraordinary beauty.

This definitive work on the rich weaving traditions of the Near East and Central Asia analyzes the output of the six major regional and tribal groupings: Anatolian, Baluchi, Caucasian, Kurdish, Persian, and Turkmen.

For the first time, the computer is used to systematize the study of motifs, designs, and patterns through more than 1,600 stunningly beautiful and functional full-color images, all especially created for this book. Each section of the book contains both ravishing full-page color examples and a host of subdivisions into motif types and attributions, examining the derivations and uses of medallions, field repeats, and borders, and the relationships between them.

Pattern recognition has long been used to determine the origin and age of rugs, and this analysis of designs and their component elements provides a vital key to accurate attribution. Detailed diagrams illustrate the way in which individual motifs are adapted and reinterpreted over time, their evolution crossing historical, cultural, and geographic boundaries. 1,672 color illustrations. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Reference to help teach the Designer
Rendering with Fashion by Bina Albing is a very descriptive and helpful illustrated book for all students. This book has proved to be extremly helpful to the new student in drawing and finishing a fashion product. It gives prompt examples to the learning with colorful examples to help one learn. Idealy all students should get this book for future no matter the experience already learned. ... Read more

Book Description

Vivienne Westwood is a global fashion icon whose career has spanned three decades. This book, published to accompany the first retrospective of her work, at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, highlights one woman's creative journey from the early days of punk to the establishment of her own fashion house.

Westwood has been an influence on the worlds of art, music, and fashion since the early 1970s. One of the first designers to create subversive fashion-clothes that disseminated political messages-she later found inspiration in history and literature, producing clothes that are witty, original, and technically accomplished.

The book's 200 photographs-a mix of ad campaigns, fashion shoots, catwalk shots, and archival images, many rarely seen or long forgotten-chart the evolution of Westwood's work from outfits worn by the Sex Pistols to more recent creations for Sarah Jessica Parker, Cameron Diaz, and artist Tracy Emin. The pictures, selected by Westwood herself, together with Claire Wilcox's perceptive text, show why this fascinating designer has a cult following around the world. ... Read more

Book Description

The women of Paris have always been recognized as the world leaders of a classic, sophisticated look, that certain je ne sais quoi which has held such mystique for style-conscious women around the world.

Here two native Parisians demonstrate what it takes to achieve the look of la petite parisienne, from building a collection of chic, timeless pieces (what the Parisian woman looks for in color, line, etc.) to choosing accessories, jewelry, perfume, and more. In addition, the book provides complete listings of not-to-be-missed Parisian boutiques, plus an indispensable glossary of French fashion terms. At once a practical style guide and a charming homage to one of the most popular destinations in the world, this colorful volume reveals the elusive secrets of Parisian chic.
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Reviews (15)

Oh to look like a French woman
Last night I read this little book that I bought in February. This is a simple book which at first I was disappointed in and put aside. If I were "starting over", re-entering society and/or the job market, I think it could be of help. It also has some very good historic reference pages such as its beginning which is a Chronology of French Fashion and a section on Perfume. The chapter on The Essential Wardrobe I think intersting. It really simplifies the "French look" which consists of: the perfect little black dress, the suit which is a jacket and pants and co-ordinating skirt and the perfect white shirt. The book describes a classic look that goes from Sept to June. Summer is the only oddity. Sections on accessories and jewelry give photographic examples of how to bring the look together. Jewelry is both precious and costume. But many of photographs add little since garments are on the authors or just laid out. Too many pictures of the authors and overall too much of an indirect plug for the garish jewelry that they sell.

Slice of Parisian Style!
This book offers a lovely look at the Parisian's way of dressing in style. The authors Virginie and Veronique Morana (mother and daughter) share their ideas on the essential wardrobe, accessories, and jewelry. They also include a chronology of French fashion, history of French perfume and shopping tips. Throughout the book Virginie and Veronique are pictured in different settings ie shopping, having tea etc wearing the types of clothes they recommend. The book is by no means an in depth guide to French style as is the out of print, comprehensive book "French Chic" by fashion reporter Susan Sommers, but is more of a simple, overview of the French style. The basics of French style are shared here from which you can build. I found the photographs of the mother/daughter team a refreshing change from models. Here we see how real women translate the French clothing to the street. And the fashions shown would work well in the US. Some of the garments are laid out on a chair making it hard to see details however. In addition, though the section on jewelry was extensive as the authors own a jewelry boutique, the section on makeup was sketchy limited to a paragraph. Overall I enjoyed the little book but view it more as a light overview not a deep picture of French fashions.

A mediocre look at French Style
I bought this book expecting it to be as wonderful as French Chic by fashion writer Suzanne Somer (unfortunately out of print) or A Year of Style by Frederic Fekkai. Unfortunately, this book is filled with dated clothing and very little substance to explain the French fashion mystique. Save your money and buy the sumptious A Year of Style by Frederic Fekkai instead. Fekkai is a well known French stylist based in NYC. He enjoys evoking the French style of living in the simplest and most soul nourishing way. His gorgeous book is filled with mouth watering recipes, fashion and style tips for each month, and simple ways to unclutter your life. If you want to discover the true French style of living, leave this book on the shelf and buy Frederic Fekkai's A Year of Style.

Interesting & Entertaining
It's an elegant, high-class look that they describe. They do a really good job of explaining it, with repetition and examples. I got such a clear picture of what was wanted that with quite a lot of clothes in my closet, plus the coincidence of a department store in town having a closing out sale, I was able to get basically equipped in one hectic day.

Buy our jewlery...Please!
This book has great pictures....but only of the authors!!!!
The worst is on page 72. They say they are shopping at the Chanel boutique.
O.k. then why does one of them have a SENSO(the security tag) on"Her" clothes?
It looks more like...Let's go to the boutique and PRETEND we are shopping.
The book is not detailed and only a bit helpful.
Plus, they keep pushing the gaudy costume jewelry they sell.
Save your money and get it at the library. ... Read more

Book Description

The arrival of the Spanish in South America in 1532 permanently transformed the Andean cultural landscape. Within a generation, societies that had developed over thousands of years, including the great Inca Empire, had been irrevocably altered. The arts from the Spanish colonial period—those that drew on native traditions, such as textiles, silver, woodwork, and stonework, as well as painting, sculpture, and other genres introduced by the Spanish—preserve an unspoken dialogue that developed between Andean and European modes of expression.

This beautiful book presents silver objects, textiles, and other masterpieces of colonial Andean culture. Essays discuss the artistry of this culture and explain how it has been recently reevaluated and celebrated for its vibrant energy reflecting the convergence of two essentially distinct cultural traditions.

This book accompanies an exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art(September 29 to December 12, 2004).

Elena Phipps is conservator, Textile Conservation, and Johanna Hecht is associate curator, European Sculpture and Decorative Arts, at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.


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