Product Description
From the Rainbowís Varied Hue examines the rich and varied cloth traditions of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago. A wealth of illustrations, both contemporary and historical, introduce the reader to traditions that range from the blood-red, polished abaca cloths of the B'laan and the dazzling headcloths of the Tausug to the striking plaids in magenta and orange silk created by the Maguindanao. Essays explore in detail the textile traditions of the Bagobo, the B'laan, the Maguindanao, and the Maranao. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Book
This book is great for anyone interested in textiles, especially in regards to the Philippines. It is filled with wonderfully and detailed illustrations as well as information.

For anyone who has a textile library this would be a informative and beautiful addition.

I am a textile majour so I should know. ... Read more

Product Description
This beautifully illustrated text provides a step-by-step approach to drawing the basic fashion figure, identifying the elements of a garment, and discussing the various techniques
used to render fashion illustration. The book also benefits the advanced user by its exploration of concepts such as manipulating the figure, drawing draped garments, and creating flats. Using designer garments, Stipelman helps the student understand a specific concept, the designer and the garments place in the history of fashion. It is the author's belief that without knowledge of the past, it is impossible to design for the future. By the end of the book students will have an understanding of the concepts of fashion drawing, both basic and advanced techniques, of their own talents and goals, and a glimmer of their own personal style. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

College couse book for my daughter
My daughter was thrilled with the fast receiving of the book when ordered.She was estatic about how beautiful the book was and normally she would sell her books after her course, but she has decided to keep this one in her library.

Thanks I am always pleased how Amazon does business!!

Clear, Helpful, Beautiful
Illustration Fashion: Concept to Creation appears to be popular with a wide range of students who are both beginners, intermediate students and advanced designers. This book offers a step-by-step approach to movement of designs from the croquis (base, working sketch) to the final copy. It has references to designs for facial and body features and it has detailed illustrations of a huge range of different pieces of clothings. Stipelman explains as well as gives examples of ways to successfully convey the mood of an outfit.

Overall - it's very handy. For advanced students, however, bear in mind that it would probably be more of a reference for you than anything. It wouldn't be a bad idea to have a look at other books available here on Amazon.

One of the best books for the subject
I found this book to be extremely helpful and useful, far superior than some I have encountered.

Good beginner bookbut not the best for its price
I must admit that I am not too keen on this book. Although it doesn cover the basics of fashion illustration I just don't think its a great illustraton book. Its a great referance don;t get me wrong but I know for a fact that Bina Abling's Fashion Sketchbook (the most recent veersion) has a heck of alot more than this book and it may be a bit pricer (just buy it used!) but The Fahsion Skecthbook it well worth it. TRUST ME!

Great 4 Beginners!!
I am intrested in fashion design and this book has helped me to learn how to draw the figure and face, etc.If you are a beginner in fashion design this should be your first book to get.This book is a keeper!! ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (2)

Not what it seems
This lastest book by hot textiles author is not what it seems. The cover is misleading and the book itself seems misguided.It is more a collection of biographies of artists, if not a bit boring.Although some of the artists work featured is amazing. The book doesn't stack up.

A gorgeous book packed with inspiration
Let me begin this review by telling you what this book isn't: it is not a book of how to techniques.There are no step by step directions on how to create any of the gorgeous pieces in this book.What it is though, is a guide to how you can develop your own textile art.It begins with a section on exploring where ideas come from and then how to create and develop your designs and ideas based on your own sketches, photographs and other collected ephemera.There is a brief discussion about color in textiles and the color wheel that is straightforward and easy to understand.The second part of this book guides you through finding a focus for your work beginning with choosing a subject, interpreting it into a body of work, working in the three-dimension and the challenges associated with creating structure with textiles followed by a discussion regarding scale and things to consider when working with large 3d pieces.The book closes with a discussion about inspiration focusing on the work of 8 artists and where they find theirs and showcases the work of Ruth Issett, Cylde Olliver, Judy Martin, Myriam Tripet, Angie Hughes, Lee Brown, Bobby Britnell, and Gwen Hedley. This is a beautiful book that's very well written and filled with stunning photographs that are impossible not to be inspired by. ... Read more

Product Description
This is a how-to book giving instructions on how to makeupdated versions of traditional Native American clothing styles.Theclothing styles of tribal groups from around North America arediscussed.Text includes a history of the clothing styles anddetailed instructions, with drawings and photographs of how to producea garments for contemporary wear. ... Read more

Product Description
Drawing Fashion: The Art of Kenneth Paul Block is the first monograph on the work of Kenneth Paul Block, one of the most influential fashion illustrators of the twentieth century. The oversize, lavishly illustrated book chronicles Block's lifetime of drawings, watercolors, and astute observations during the artist's over 30-year career at Women's Wear Daily, powerful fashion publication. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Quintessential Fashion
Kenneth PB was the model of an artist who mastered fashion illustration by his talents. He was a stylist as well as a drawer - the combination led to rich, expressive, inspirational works of art. This book tells his story well and shows his genius with beautiful reproductions.

Art indeed!
Beautiful book: a testament to KPB's work and position in the history of fashion illustration.He will be greatly missed, but at least we have this legacy, a record of his achievements.While some of my favorite examples of his work didn't make it into this book, many I never saw did, so it is still a pleasure to visit again and again.

Truly inspiring!
Recommended by one of my teachers at Parsons, this book lived up to its expectations.It is a privilege to be able to see the art of the true artist, Kenneth Paul Block, all condensed into this lovely book.Sadly, the art of illustration is no longer as honoured as before.Even the movement expressed by the figure on the cover of the book is truly inspiring!

Best ever
The best book of fashion illustration I'd seen. Kenneth Paul Block is a real artist, great drawer, sensible and extremely chic. This book help me in my classes and teachs a lot of style.

Drawing Fashion: The Art of Kenneth Block
Terrific Book, fascinating on the life and times of the 30's 40' and 50's in the fashion world. Great reproductions and interesting text. ... Read more

Product Description
An interactive coloring book for fashionistas of all ages, My Wonderful World of Fashion is packed with beautiful and sophisticated illustrations specially created by the leading fashion-illustrator Nina Chakrabarti.

The book encourages creativity, with illustrations to color in and designs to finish off, as well as simple ideas for making and doing (how to make a sari, turn a napkin into a headscarf, dye a T-shirt, and so on). Covering clothing, shoes, bags, jewelry, and other accessories, the illustrations span both vintage fashions drawing on beautiful and interesting objects from past ages and contemporary designs from the illustrator's own imagination.

'Did you know...?' features that give brief historical notes encourage children to be inspired by history and by other cultures. A wonderful celebration of fashion, the book will appeal to fashion addicts from 8 years plus. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (51)

Best for Teenagers
I took one look and realized this is best for group other than me - teenagers.I love books on fashion, but I prefer pictures of outfits from which I can draw inspiration to style my clothes.This is something different, but a great idea. Like another reviewer said it is part coloring book, part book of suggestions.It can really inspire a new generation of designers or just be a book for fun. I think any child interested in fashion will really appreciate it.

WONDERFULLY CREATIVE
I love this book as much as I initially thought I would. It leaves so much room for your own personalization and creativity. It's perfect for that bubbling fashionista, or a totally experienced glamour girl.

Buy it, everyone!
This book is amazing, I really love it and I can spend hours on it. I'm very happy that I bought this one!

Fun, creativity, and color!
Okay, so this isn't exactly my area, but here's what my wife had to say:

"Awesome book--so much fun! It's a world of buttons, shoes, stockings, nails, necklaces, masks, gloves, and more, and it's all waiting for your artistic touch. Color, doodle, and design for hours of fun. I like to color the most, and there are lots of opportunities to color in Nina Chakrabarti's cool designs, but you can design your own stuff, too, perhaps using Chakrabarti's for inspiration (if, like me, you don't exactly feel like you're the most creative fashionista on the planet)."

Gets creative juices flowing
This book is perfect for young girls with a fashion bent, full of artsy projects. It is meant to be used, so it's like a combo book and sketchbook/scrapbook. The hand-drawn look complements the projects perfectly. The topics are open-ended and leave lots of room for a girl's individual ideas and creativity to bloom. ... Read more

Product Description
Back in print with new color plates: the comprehensive survey of textile designs in the English Arts and Crafts style.

For twenty-five years after the first Arts and Crafts Exhibition in 1888, these English textiles were shown throughout Europe and the United States, influencing designers and attracting a large public. The refined creations of Arthur Silver (including Liberty's celebrated Peacock Feather), the distinctive designs of C. F. A. Voysey, the floral patterns of Lindsay Butterfield and George Haite—all were, and continue to be, a source of delight and inspiration.

Linda Parry first examines the evolution and development of the style and discusses the whole range of Arts and Crafts textiles—printed and woven fabrics, tapestries and carpets, lace and embroidery. She then presents an alphabetical annotated catalogue that provides invaluable information on designers, manufacturers, and shops.

The illustrations have been selected from the outstanding collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and are supplemented by notable examples from other museums. For this new edition, many of the illustrations that were previously printed in black and white are now reproduced in full color. Also included are rare period photographs of designers and of the fabrics in use in Victorian interiors. 153 illustrations, 91 in color. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Very comprehensive!
You'll only need to have this book on textiles of the Arts and Crafts Movement in your library - it's that good!

Scholarly text, but rewarding just for Oh How Pretty! appreciation
Even when I buy a coffee-table book, in which the primary attraction is visual rather than wordsmithing, I try to read the text. That's why it's taken me so long to review this book, which I've owned for about 6 months. The text is not bad; it's just dry and scholarly. That isn't actually a terrible thing here, since this book is, after all, about the textiles of the Arts & Crafts movement in the UK, focusing on the exhibitions between 1880 and 1920. It necessarily goes into detail about, say, the increase in the number of textile firms at the end of the 19th century. There's a whole section that's a catalog of the era's designers, craftsmen, institutions and firms, for instance. If you're a serious student of the history of the movement, you'll be thrilled.Me -- not so much.

But that's perfectly okay, because I bought the book for its 153 illustrations, all of which are gorgeous. If you care about the designs from William Morris, CFA Voysey or Arthur Silver, you may have to wipe drool off your chin before it falls onto the book. The collection here -- all of which, I think, is represented from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London -- includes full color plates of the cloth patterns and embroidery, as well as some photos of the textiles in use (such as the Morris' bed at Kelmscot Manor). This is just gosh-durn PRETTY stuff, and well worth flipping through. It's positively inspiring for anyone contemplating authentic stencils, or embroidery, or (my excuse) quilting designs.

Comprehensive book on textiles of arts and crafts movement
Textiles of the Arts and Crafts Movement

If your interest is in the textiles of the Arts and Crafts movement in Great Britain, this is the book for you. It is comprehensive in its exploration of the subject, fromwell-known designers as Charles Rennie Mackintosh and William Morris todozens of lesser-known designers and craftspeople. Linda Parry, the author,is on the staff of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The majority of examplesof textiles in black and white and color were taken from this museum. Parrycovers the history of the movement and the work shown in London by the Artsand Crafts Exhibition Society. At the end of the book is an extensivecatalog of designers, craftsmen, institutions and firms. There is also along bibliography of books and catalogs if you want to explore this subjectin depth. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

Great book
A must have book for the fashion designer student. Great to take ideas when you design your own.Love it ... Read more

Product Description
Here at last is the bible of T-shirt design today. 82 studios from around the world Brazil, Australia, Japan, Switzerland, America, Argentina, and more contribute their best designs to create a global and contemporary view of the thriving state of T-shirt land.

Tees is packed with illustrations of artwork and finished t-shirts, along with insights into the designers' inspirations, techniques, and where available, retail outlets.

With a vast range of styles anarchic illustration, pixel patterns, faux metal, all-over geometry, high craft, retro type, hand-drawn humor Tees reveals the enormous potential of T-shirts to be expressive, entertaining, and highly desirable all at once.

This special limited edition includes a T-shirt featuring a unique collage of designs provided by artists in the book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great shirts
i own a clothing company so i have seen alot of shirts and this book showed me alot of new ones! i have several books with lots and lots of shirts and designs in them and this one by far was the won worth all the money. this is one you def need to own! love it! ... Read more

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Product Description
For more than one hundred years, the kimono has been a motif in American art and popular culture. The Kimono Inspiration—originally published as the catalog for the exhibition at the Textile Museum in Washington, D.C.—explores the use and meaning of the kimono in America and traces the transformation of this quintessential Japanese garment from its ethnic origins, through its many appearances in fine art, costume, and high fashion, to its role in the contemporary Art-to-Wear Movement. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Bastardization of a beautiful garment
This book takes the beauty of the traditional kimono and turns it into an abomination as "art to wear".The kimono already IS art to wear.It doesn't need to be dragged down by modernization.

But that is not my only problem with this book.In the history section, written by Toshiki Wada, the editing is so bad that spelling mistakes are made and repeated.Also, Miss Wada needs to pick up a history book sometime very soon.Her grasp on the history of Japanese clothing is tenuous at best and the more bad history sections she writes (like this one and the one in "Shibori"), the more misinformation she disseminates to the English-speaking public.

Ignore any historical information on the kimono written or "edited" by Wada.Go out and buy Dalby instead.

Beautiful illustrations
This book is about the American interpretation of the Kimono. It is a beautifully illustrated book that will appeal to anyone interested in fashion design or Japanese culture.

The first section shows the Kimono inAmerican art, including paintings by Whistler and others. A number of oldphotos and postcards chronicle the Kimono as a fashion element in the early20th Century.

Next is a beautiful section on Kimonos by Americandesigners. The variety is stunning with traditional motifs, modern artdesigns and unusual materials.

There is also a history of the Kimono inJapan showing the development of style with some nice earlier examples.This is a wonderful view of the article of clothing that is an art form initself.

Don't buy it unless you're looking for an art book
This book is an art book, like the kind you can buy at art galleries.Itreviews the inspiration the kimono had to modern American art. I wasted$50 canadian on this book because I thought it would be an invaluablereference for Kimono making.It's not. If you're an art teacher orstudent who is absolutely IN NEED of an art book on kimono art, then by allmeans purchase this book.If you aren't, then don't.

Kimono and Yukata how to make it...
It's the BEST BOOK out there for learning how to make Kimono and Yukata for men and women.... It has everything from how to make the pattern and how to tie an obi....even how to make the sleeper. I am so HAPPY to have found this book.. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (5)

5*****Pop-Up
This book is absolutely unbelievable.It was my first pop-up book and after purchasing this book I can't get enough pop-ups for my growing collection.If you're interested in fashion or just love to look at pretty books this is one for you.
Pop-up books are no longer just for children.I am constantly amazed at the workmanship that goes into one of these books.I never buy a used pop-up book, especially ones that say some of the pop-ups don't work.Then why buy it!Take my advice, buy this book and you'll be hooked on pop-ups too.I even bought pop-up Christmas cards this year and a 2006 calendar.Robert Sabuda is my all-time favorite pop-up artist.

Entertaining Education!
What a delightful book!The design engineers, who created this masterpiece, must be incredibly clever!This book is not only historically educational, it is fun.(Remember to be gentle--this is not for small children)

A(Fun!) Pop-Up Book For Grownups
I have always loved pop-up books and this one is no exception. Each page has an interesting new surprize. The illustrations are bright and well-rendered. The only quibble I have is that the ladies are a bit tricky to set up. In other words,be gentle or you might rip them a tiny bit(yes,it happened to me.) This book would make a lovely gift for anyone who enjoys fashion and or novelty books..

Nice, but with problems.
This book contains seven spreads:
-Egypt
-The Court of Elizabeth I
-The Court of Marie Antoinette
-At the Opera
-The Art of the Kimono
-Coco Chanel: Liberating the Ladies
-Fashion as Art

My favorites are the kimono and art(Mariano Fortuny and Issey Miyake) spreads. I really love the Fotuny paper doll in her Delphos gown and loose fittingcloak, despite their being less than well rendered.

As a pop-up collector and hobbyist, I'm disappointed with this book. Though a great subject, the form and function of the pop-ups don't mesh well for me. There's an assortment of pull tabs, lift the the flaps, accordion fold outs and free standing pop ups that can be totally detached from the book. The many movable items are well organized by theme, but the parts are always catching on each other. I also had some troublesecuring the freestanding stuff back into the bookbecause it's not immediately obvious how the tabs and slots work with each other. For the price, I think the illustrations could have been better looking. In the end, the mish mash of the contents andsometimes ugly illustrations killed this book for me. I didn't hate it enough to go through the trouble of returning it, but it sits in its plastic wrapper collecting dust.

Paper dresses to make us dream
Belgian artist Isabelle de Borchgrave has made an amazing lifesize collection of period paper dresses which have been exhibited all over the world. Silks, brocades, taffetas and lace are recreated by painting on various types of paper. In this wonderfull popp-up book, some of the costumes come alive. Wonderful little details will enchant young girls, such as beautiful lace collars which unfold,a fan you can actually use, bags which open to reveal charming secrets and a model which steps out of the book onto the catwalk. A wonderful gift, full of inspiration and creativity. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Just what I was looking for
I needed a good resource book for a research paper I was writing for my history of craft class. This book was perfect!

Very basic introduction to Japanese textiles
I keep this book on my shelf for when I need to find a quick reference to something in the field of kimono textiles. It's not an in-depth text, but the color photos are nice and it's not too thick so you can find the page you're looking for easily. It's a good start for someone just getting in to Japanese textiles, but if you've already got a library of books on the subject, you might give this one a miss.

It's a good book for the hobbyist, but not much use for the serious textile collector.

Colors and colors.
A book on textiles that have many beautiful pictures as well as details on Shibori.It also shows some of the techniques of weaving, and kimono painting.Excellent.

Excellent foundation
This is a great introduction to the textiles of Japan, particularly for people just beginning to develop their interest in this area.The book presents a balanced discussion of the subject by providing a good amount of information on history and technique, without spinning the reader with overwhelming detail about either.Of special interest to us were the practical (functional) aspects of the fabrics, as well as the effects the fabrics and Japanese society have had (and continue to have) on each other.The most important types of textiles are covered, along with the relevant terminology.

The book also has many excellent photographs of everything from uchikake on display to vats of indigo dye. The color pictures not only help the reader get a better understanding of the topic at hand, but also realize the beauty of the fabrics and the hard work that goes into them.

Good book.Recommended. ... Read more

Product Description
A superb reference book and an ideal instructional textbook for classroom use, this beautifully illustrated guide is organized into units that reflect required courses at leading design colleges. Twenty step-by-step exercises cover methods of finding inspiration, developing observation techniques, and creating fashion drawings in both color and black-and-white media. Separate sections are devoted to getting started and understanding figure proportions, planning and designing garments, and creating and assessing flat specification drawings. The book also features cross-references to its various art instruction techniques, a designer's glossary, and a helpful index. This book guides students through their first steps in fashion illustration, covering everything that is presented in the best college-level courses. It makes a fine starting point for all students of fashion, introducing them to fashion drawing as a first step toward a career as a creative costumier. More than 250 illustrations in color and black and white. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (28)

For Jazmine
i will continue to assist my Grand Daughter with her dreams...this book should be a great resource for her.

Drawing Fashion
I ordered this item because the title said "Fashion Design Drawing Course". Since I am teaching a course of fashion design I thought may be this is the book I should use to teach the class. When I reviewed the book I found out that it was not a course at all. There are pictures of dresses and some elementary sketches, but not a book you will use to teach a class. The fancy title makes you think of a step-by-step book on how to draw fashion,which is just a bunch of pictures put together. If you really want to learn the process of fashion do not buy this book, instead get right book "Fashion Sketchbook" by Bina Abling.

Not a very helpful book...
I was incredibly disappointed in this book.The title is very misleading and there is no instruction or help with how to actually draw fashion designs.I would not recommend this book to a beginner.I'm not certain that it would help the most advanced designers.

Expec...
Well this book its awesome, really works about yor creativity and explore many ways to become a Designer....

a great new-be wanna be fashion designer book
This book is excellent to develop creative ideas and skills, and it encourgaes you to develop your own unique styles and to step outside of the box like real fashion designers. Each unit has it's own project for you to go out and do on your own, it is lots of fun. Other people who reviewed this and hated it did not understand it and do not want to be fashion designers because this book teaches the beginner fashion designer a lot, something that you would learn in college! Believe me I know because I'm going to college for fashion design and I would highly recommend this book for the beginner and serious fashion designer. A lot of fun and new ways to be creative and develop new styles from you personally. ... Read more

Product Description
Luxury and art have never been more closely linked than they are in these early years of the twenty-first century. Virtually all the world’s major luxury houses have associated themselves with contemporary art through sponsorships, commissions, or foundations, and these points of exchange nourish the increasingly symbiotic relationship between fashion, art, and other design disciplines.Of all modern luxury brands, Louis Vuitton can claim to maintain the richest and most varied associations with the world of art. Included in this volume are Louis Vuitton’s important collaborations with an elite group of artists, architects, designers, and photographers, such as Jun Aoki, Shigeru Ban, Vanessa Beecroft, Olafur Eliasson, Zaha Hadid, David LaChapelle, Jean Larivière, Annie Leibovitz, Takashi Murakami, Richard Prince, Stephen Sprouse, James Turrell, Inez Van Lamsweerde, and Vinoodh Matadin. The book is structured as a seductive anthology of the house’s most visible collaborations. Critical essays examine and position Louis Vuitton’s patronage—under the guidance of Artistic Director Marc Jacobs—during one of the most fertile periods of contemporary art and design. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Beautiful Book at a Great Price
I give my best friend a coffee table book every year for the holidays.This one is particularly beautiful.. A must have for anyone who enjoys or desires LV.

book
Purchased as a gift and she seemed to really enjoy it.I shipped it straight to her so didn't get to see it.

Beautiful Book, Gorgeous Photography
I bought this for my best friend for her birthday and I have to say it is an absolutely beautiful book. Great for a coffee table! I love the combo of their stores (architecture), artwork that inspired and was inspired by the brand (art) and obviously the clothes, bags, etc. (fashion). It is amazing to see where the brand started and where it has gone while still maintaining their brand identity...gotta love a company that can do that. Overall absolutely beautiful and well written...the photos are ridiculous!

STUNNING.....Something to have forever......
My sister and I were stuck for something to buy mum for Christmas.The first thing that drew me to this book
was the cover.And let me tell you, it looks AMAZING sitting on a coffee table.My mother has her fair share of Louis Vuitton handbags (at last count...ten) so this was the perfect gift for her.She absolutely LOVED it!However, I have also found myself drawn to the amazing pictures, history and wealth of information that this book offers.It is something that can be enjoyed by any fashion lover.I highly recomend this book, and so does my beautiful mum!!

Awesome!
Very cool book. It tells you about all the artist and designers LV has collaborated with. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (5)

Gothic: Dark Glamour
A beautifully put together and produced book, it fell short of what I was expecting/hoping for.Valerie Steele's essay on the roots of the Gothic movement was informative and interesting without straying into being pedantic or simplistic.I really enjoyed that part of the book and felt that illustrations were generally well-related to the text, though there were references to designers or specific outfits that I would have liked to have had illustrated.The second essay, by Jennifer Park, was also well done, but I would have preferred to have more pictures from the actual museum exhibition this book was associated with, rather than a history of Goth music.
Simply put, I was expecting a lot more pictures of amazing and creative fashion to to amaze and inspire.What this book, it did well.I just wish there had been fewer words and more illustrations.

GOTHIC; dark glamour
I LOVED THE THE GOTHIC AND STEAMPUNK FASHION THAT WAS PUT TOGETHER FOR THIS BOOK. IF YOU WANT TO LEARN ABOUT DARK GLAMOUR FOR THE GOTHIC LOOK, THE GOTHIC VAMPIRE, STEAMPUNK, DARK PUNK, JUST DARK GLAMOUR THEN THIS IS A BOOK FOR YOU TO READ AND LOOK AT THE PICTURES. WHAT I BOUGHT THIS BOOK FOR I RECEIVED ALL THE INFO I NEEDED TO CONTINUE MY PROJECT. THANK YOU

Beautiful manuscript on Gothic Fashion...
This book is perhaps the most enigmatic when speaking about Gothic Fashion and its origins. I have enjoyed reading it, and find the photography to be inspiring; even thought provoking. I would recommend this book to anyone desiring to pursue a career in Gothic Fashion, or Modeling, or for anyone who is currently active in the Gothic Sub-Culture and is a Gothic Fashionista at heart :)

Beautiful Book on Gothic Fashion
I own several of Valerie Steele's books and they never disappoint. This one is no different. Reading like a coffee table book, it provides an extensive history on Gothic literature, architecture, art, etc. and how it inspired fashion, from Victorian mourning dresses to the raw, experimental clothing of the first Gothic scene sprung out of the punk movement in the late 70's, the New Romantics, and the more recent Cybergoth and "Graver" trends. The book is filled with gorgeous photography, from street fashion shots of DIY outfits, to club kid photos, to high-fashion and couture runway and editorial shoots, featuring such designers as John Galliano, Hussein Chalayan, Rodarte, Elsa Schiaparelli, Thierry Mugler, Alexander McQueen, Comme de Garcons, and Yohji Yamamoto. There are also some beautiful drawings and paintings included. There is also a music section, entitled "Melancholy and the Macabre: Gothic Rock and Fashion" by Jennifer Park, which explores such artists as Bauhaus, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Joy Division, The Cure, Nick Cave, The Sisters of Mercy, etc. and their fashion, both onstage and off.

Gothic Glamour At Its Finest
This book arrived from Amazon, appropriately enough, in the depths of Autumn. Deliciously thick with lustrous photographic illustrations and visual references that are gilded frame-worthy, if it weren't such blasphemy to pull it apart, I'd do just that (I want some of these images on my walls, dammit). Not surprisingly, the book often reads more like an academic textbook than a style guide, and thank heaven and hell below it for that. As it is, there are enough "Like, OMG, Cheerleader-to-Gothgirl" how-to manuals out there already. The primary author of this book, Valerie Steele, has written numerous fashion-related books, many of which deal with how popular, as well not-so-mainstream and otherwise underground fashion, relate to both individual and cultural identity. She also happens to have her Ph.D. from Yale University and is currently Director and Chief Curator at The Museum at The Fashion Institute of Technology. In other words, she understands not only the Art of Fashion but the Theory behind it.

Steele references everything from the etymology of the word "gothic" to the early, cultural influences (everything from art, music, theatre and film to literature and architecture) that have shaped what we consider Gothic today. I'd like to think I'm an unofficial expert on this subculture (or, at the very least, an Old-School Goth turned Glamourous Eccentric...who also happens to be a costume history & fashion nerd), but Steele cites so many obscure and influences that I started to question whether or not I was a novice myself. Or a clueless, like, OMG!...cheerleader. I never would have considered, for example, Horace Walpole's part--which pre-dates Byron, The Shelleys, Poe, Stoker, Wilde and Baudelaire--as being so significant in the influence of literature on the Gothic aesthetic. Nor did I really think about how the collaborations between photographer Sean Ellis, and the incomparable stylist, Isabella Blow, in the mid-90s (who were both inspired by the disturbingly beautiful collections of Alexander McQueen & Hussein Chalayan) helped spark yet another Gothic Revival in the world of fashion in years to come. Remember when Gucci did Goth?

In addition to sourcing some of the more obvious figures in fashion, the book takes an in-depth look at many of the important underground and independent players who have been responsible for molding and shaping Gothic Fashion over the years. If you don't already know who Kambriel, Lip Service and Plastik Wrap were before, or if you've never heard of The Batcave, the Gothic & Lolita Bibles or Propaganda Magazine, you will by the time you finish this book. However, it should go without saying that about Gothic Fashion would hardly be complete (or valid, for that matter) without giving some serious attention to its inseparable partner, Gothic Music. Steele does indeed write in some length about the role of music in gothic subculture, but it's the latter part of the book which pays serious tribute to the subject.

"Melancholy and The Macabre: Gothic Rock and Fashion," by Jennifer Park, is really a little book within a book. It is essentially a short history of Gothic Rock. From its early, pre-punk influences, such as Velvet Underground and Bowie, to its post-punk revolutionaries, like Joy Division, Siouxsie and The Banshees, The Smiths, Bauhaus and The Cure (still four of my favorite bands), who paved the way for the uber-goth bands of the late 1980s and '90s. While I do think this serves as only a primer on what can be broadly defined as "Gothic Rock", the featured album covers and select discography made me nostalgic for my cape-wearing, gother-than-thou days of olde.

In any case, it is certain that Valerie Steele's expertise and passion for subculture and lesser-known fashion makes for an extensively researched, incredibly thorough read on the subject, appropriate for fashion enthusiasts, costume historians and more erudite goths, alike. Nevertheless, anyone looking for pseudo-morbid, pre-fab, darkity-dark fashion fluff should stick to the plethora of glossy goth-mags (no offense, Gothic Beauty) and cheesy goth-sites and clubs (we know you are...alas, you do not). You could always look at the pretty pictures, though. ... Read more