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Customer Reviews (4)

The Bookschlepper Recommends
Years ago someone gave me a sample of Cabochard perfume and I fell in love. Its designer was Madame (Alix) Grès, born Germaine Emilie Krebs in Paris in 1903. Just as she was to construct flowing Grecian gowns for high society and transform the use of fabric for the twentieth century, she was to construct and transform her own name, history and legend. Not much is known about the actual woman. The coutouriere let her soft, sculptured dresses speak for her; the elegance of her jersey creations was sought after by women of refinement. Then, fallen from the heights of the fashion world, done in by changing tastes and a sad attempt at prêt-a-porter, she became a turbaned recluse whose death was not announced for over a year. Her perfume company was sold; it is all that remains in active commerce but her myth and her frocks (usually held by private collectors although I have occasionally seen one on e-Bay) remind us of an original mind. Yale UP and the Fashion Institute of Technology, joint publishers, have issued a lovely large-format volume with photographs of both Madame and her clothes. Mears comes as close to the truth as we are likely to get.

Stunning!
Stunning!Well-written story of Madame Alix Gres in four chapters:1 life and career, 2 the grecian gown, 3 ethnic influences, 4 sculpting with fabric.Full page (> 12" x 8") photographs of selected works over her entire range of career; the photographs are high-definition.Some fashions have multiple photographs from different angles.Photographs are full page, so they are often not on the page where the text is that describes the fashion, and there is occassional lack of reference to the accompanying photograph(s) (inconsistent use of stating which plate the text is referring to).I wish every fashion and every advertisement described in the text had a photograph.

For fashion affecionados
I read about the Madame Gres exhibit at the NY Fashion Institute of Technology in the New York Times recently.Upon finishing the lengthy article I raced over to my laptop and was excited to order this book. For those who love,crave and have to surround yourself with beautiful visual images this is the book for you. To look at the actual photographs of her original pieces along with her photographs made me feel privileged to read about this amazing woman. The thousands of folds,tucks and pleats in her garments were obviously a lifelong labor of love!

A Wonderful Book about a Wonderful Talent
I only knew a little of Madame Gres and this book brought to my attention that she was one of the major designers of our era--someone who "invented" the use of draping and fabrics, unlike they had ever been used before.Not just a product of its time, Madame Gres' fashions are timeless and have influenced everything since her time.I would highly recommend this book not just for the fashion, but for the very interesting text by the author, as well, who really puts the work in context. ... Read more

Product Description
From Visionaire, publisher of the limited edition fashion and art quarterly, comes this fantastic visual compendium of the young and up-and-coming designers who will launch contemporary fashion into the new millennium. With a daring new vertical format and evocative new photography by such renowned fashion photographers as Mario Testino, Inez van Lamsweerde, and Vinoodh Matadin, this tribute profiles approximately sixty of the newest, cutting-edge designers from all over the world, including Raf Simons, Veronique Branquinho, Olivier Theyskens, Nicolas Ghesquiere, Jeremy Scott, Joseph Thimester, and A. F. Vandervorst. The clothes, the unforgettable shows, and the fantastic photos from today's top fashion photographers make this the fashion book of the new millennium.
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Customer Reviews (2)

disappointing -- great concept, poorly realized
This book is a survey of new designers that lacks content and depth.While the designers featured may be talented, the photos often fail to convey this, because many of them don't display the designs prominently.Also, you don't get a good sense of the designers' styles based on the few examples (usually one or two per designer) shown.

In addition, I found the dimensions of this book to be quite awkward.The pages are smaller and narrower in width than I expected from a book containing fashion photographs.

I much prefer Claire Wilcox's Radical Fashion.

the future
In this second book by Stephen Gan, he is looking at the future generation of fashion designers. You won't find Karl Lagerfeld or Gianni Versace in this book but the next garde of world reknown group of designers.If you arelooking for the designers of today buy Visionaire fashion's 2000. ... Read more

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Product Description
Fashion Unraveled was developed to take the guesswork out of starting your own business. Written from the experiences of business owners and experts.

You will take a peek into the operations of an independent fashion design business. Whether you are an entrepreneur, designer, student, or craftsperson, this book will guide you through the implementation process. From discovering who you are as a designer to an in-depth look at costing, pricing and budgeting, you will learn more than you ever thought possible. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

A must read if you intend to work as a designer or a fashion manager etc/
The book is great, it covers essential areas that may be overlooked and it can assist the budding entrepreneur to get on the right path and be successful in the business.

Not very in-depth
While this book wasn't awful, I felt it lacked in most areas.
Chapters are extremely short, with very little text spread out on large pages that don't seem to really get into the how, or why of the topics covered.

I felt the author only touched on each subject, and didn't really explain them thoroughly.

It wasn't a bad book, but it definitely isn't substantial enough to read on its own.

Great resource for anyone interested in how to start their own fashion line.
The author covers everything from defining who your customer is and developing a brand identity to all of the parts of production: fabric sourcing, making patterns and samples, grading for different sizes, and how to get your designs produced. She also covers business basics that are essential to any design business like marketing, sales, and finance. She even points out the need to think about what your exit strategy would be. One of the most useful things about this book is the fact that the author has provided forms and examples for all of the stages of your design business. She even includes a full sample business plan (from her own business, minus some financial specifics). One of the other things I liked about this book were interviews with other independent designers about specific business topics and their experiences. I'd definitely recommend it for anyone looking to delve into the world of launching and running your own independent fashion label.

Absolutely a must have
Jennifer Lynne has done an excellent job simplifying all the imperative processes and details that would help one establish their fashion label and business. I have this book and I found it very helpful and full of practical tips. I love how she has included worksheets for costing, pricing, branding, NDAs, financial projections, press releases... taking all the perplexity away.

Shveta Shourie, Fashion Designer

Informative
This was a gift for my son. He procaimed it to be very informative, providing him with answers to many of his questions about fashion industry ... Read more

Product Description
The most thorough survey of the contemporary world of fashion to date, The St. James Fashion Encyclopedia covers nearly 200 clothing designers, milliners, footwear designers, companies and textile houses. This beautifully illustrated volume features famous as well as fledgling artists and houses from all over the world, inlcuding Georgia Armani, Laura Ashley, Coco Chanel, Ralph Lauren and Adrienne Vitadini. 100 photos. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Indispensable info for fashion retailers
If you deal in women's fashion, this is a necessary reference book. (Hint: It's so important, when I lost mine, I came right here to buy another!) The information on 20th century fashion leaders is especially necessary for antique dealers, vintage clothing shops, and of course womenswear consignment shops. I recommend this book to my readers in the resale industry on my web site, www.tgtbt.com .

St.James Fashion Encyclopedia: A survey of style
Not a day goes by that I don't pick up this book!An excellent collection of concise 20th century fashion designer's biographies.Interesting and acurate information arranged in alphabetical order.The information is so good that you forgive the book for not having photographs.Most of our students use the book for research on their favorite designers but, this book is also just a great read. ... Read more

Product Description

Designers are great white sharks, and we roam the waters ourselves. We often pretend to like and admire each other, but sometimes we don't even bother to fake it. The fashion industry is as hardworking, incestuous, and political as any other, and it's virtually impossible, given the size of designers' egos, to sincerely wish someone else well, because behind every false tribute is 'It should have been me.'

Customer Reviews (11)

Author tells all
Abboud presents a fashion designer's personal story of life in the rag trade. Abboud redefined menswear by bringing a European look to American clothing. Born in Boston, his desire for affluence was influenced by observing how others dressed. His rise in fashion was a rocky road, and in Threads he tells all.

fashion fashion fashion
its a decent book with some insightful ideas but overall nothing really over the top when it comes to fashion however for the basics not bad at all

He's got style...
I wasn't sure what how much I'd enjoy a book by a menswear designer, but I have to say that this book was a joy. From his humble beginnings in a Middle Eastern Boston neighborhood, Joseph Abboud moved from a kid with a face pressed to the window of a men's shop to one of the top designers in the world. I will definitely never look at a tie in the same way or a men's suit. The insight into the polo shirt craze of the 80's was endearing also, as I remember everyone in my high school sporting one in every color available.

Probably the most curious thing to me after reading this book is why I've never heard of Joseph Abboud until now. Some of the people he's dressed have definitely caught my attention. We live in a more casual time, but reading this book has definitely made me think about how people perceive appearance, even in this dot-com-shorts-and-sandals world. There's still nothing like a good man in a good suit. That's what made me fall for my husband. Check this one out. There's more than clothes here.

What a Guy
Joe Abboud-what a guy! So funny, so forthright, so talented, so over-the-top crazy about clothes! Through the brash, colorful, passionate voice of a man drunk on color and cut and fabric, I've suddenly become sensitized to the glory of clothes, and to the talent and zeal required to design them. Ah, the softness of a just-right flannel! The beauty of a tweed created in Scotland from threads dyed to match pebbles found on a Nantucket beach! The fine look of a man of any size in a perfectly cut suit! The importance of choosing (and properly arranging) the correct pocket square!

This man's outsize personality comes through on every page, and the glimpses he provides of life behind the scenes in high-end shops, at fashion shows, and in top designers' showrooms are often hilarious and always fascinating, even to someone who doesn't (or, before Abboud, didn't) give a fig about fashion.

Deborah Harkins
New York, New York

Enjoyable, meandering read
I chose to purchase Joseph's book because I very much like his clothing and find that he has a different, down-to-earth approach to the "fashion world". The book itself is partly a book on men's fashion and partly an autobiography.Ultimately, it is a pleasant and quick read, but I would not characterize it knock-me-off-my-seat insightful or as having any real intention or focus. ... Read more

Product Description
Exclusive interviews reveal the inside story of everything that makes the fashion world tick.At the heart of this book is a series of in-depth interviews with famous designers—the Fashion Makers—unveiling the process that creates an appealing design, collection, and brand. With illustrations that offer a fashion feast, we discover why handcraft is so important to Dries Van Noten, what Paul Smith learned from his early entrepreneurial experiences, and why the founder of A.P.C., Jean Touitou, “doesn’t make bags for bitches.”

But it’s not just the designers who make or break a brand. The Fashion Shapers—editors, stylists, buyers, PR specialists, and educators—reveal their own distinctive roles. How does Alexandre de Betak create fashion shows for John Galliano, Hussein Chalayan, or Victoria’s Secret? How did Armand Hadida, founder of L’Eclaireur shops in Paris and Tokyo, redefine the relationship between salesperson and consumer?

This book will be a coveted and covetable purchase for every fashion student, every fashion professional, and everyone who wants to know what makes fashion function. 200+ color illustrations ... Read more

Product Description
Captures the unique style of fashion maverick Iris Apfel and her exuberantly idiosyncratic personal chic.With remarkable panache and discernment, Iris Apfel combines styles, colors, textures, and patterns without regard to period, provenance, or aesthetic conventions. She is a unique style icon.

Over ninety sumptuous color plates, photographed by Eric Boman, show off a selection of Apfel's extraordinary outfits on wittily posed mannequins, some sporting her trademark outsized spectacles. The originality of her style is typically revealed in her mixing of Dior haute couture with flea-market finds, Dolce & Gabbana lizard trousers with nineteenth-century ecclesiastical vestments, pink Lanvin worn with ropes of Navajo turquoise. Apfel's eclectic pieces might come from a Parisian couture house, an American thrift shop, or a North African souk, or they may have been made to her own design in a tiny studio.

Detailed captions describe every aspect of the outfits, including names and dates of designers, plus full information on fabrics and accessories. A selection of audacious accessories also comes under the spotlight: a giant necklace made of bear claws, a turn-of-the-century Indian horse ornament worn as a necklace, a parrot's-head brooch in colored glass and rhinestones.

The book includes an introduction by Harold Koda, director of the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and an essay by Apfel herself, describing her lifelong love affair with style and illustrated with vintage photographs from her personal collection. 169 photographs and illustrations, 149 in color ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS!!!
This book is so beautifully prepared, executed,and full of rich color combinations, fashion design ideas and inspiration on so many levels.I have it out and am constantly picking it up just to look at it.It's a wonderful book;I don't see how it could do other than delight.

Essential guide to style
This is the sort of book that does not do well with online bookstores. It is the sort of book you need to flick through rather than just see a cover picture and read a blurb before buying. If you are familiar with Iris Apfel you will know exactly what to expect.But for anyone else this book needs to be browsed in a bookshop to discover the delights within it. The book is almost all photographs. They are excellent clear records of Iris Apfel's wardrobe and jewellery.
Any aspiring fashion or jewellery designer will learn a lot from the photographs. The clothes are styled on mannequins and put together how Iris would have worn them. This makes it an excellent reference book for anyone who wants to learn about fashion styling. This book is also an essential reference guide for anyone who wants to stand out from the pack and make a statement with their fashion. All the outfits are truly timeless, and it is the way that they are put together which makes them stand out rather than the cost or designer label. This means that this book is truly democratic; anyone can take away something from these photos to add style to their own wardrobe.

Rare Bird of Fashion Book review
After seeing the Iris Apfel exhibit at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts, I had to have the book as a keepsake. The museum charged $65.00 and had to order, then ship it. This book on Amazon was reasonably priced for a delightful coffeetable book. Although it didn't contain all the items as displayed in the exhibit, it contained an amusing early history of Iris Apfel and her husband. Another friend who saw the exhibit loved the book as a gift, too!

Inspirational designs
There is a lot of food for thought in these photos for any person interested in fashion design.

First Fashion Book
This is the first book about fashion that I've purchased.I ordered it after hearing an interview with Mrs. Apfel on NPR.She sounded like a hoot in the interview so I thought I'd give it a try.The book is loaded with full page photos of manequins dressed in the outfits she put together over the years.What a celebration they are!High fashion with, I think, a wild Bohemian streak.Her use of clothing is an expression of joy.For me it was more about human spirit than fashion. ... Read more

Product Description
This volume opens the door to a glittering, fascinating, absolutely fabulous world - a world in which the Spice Girls, Vivienne Westwood, Paul Smith, Kate Moss, Stella McCartney, Central St Martins School of Art and Portobello Market are all part of the extraordinary exuberant phenomenon known as British fashion. Paris has resorted to borrowing the genius of Alexander McQueen and John Galliano. Hip young designers are discovered every day. What is it about London that makes it such a hotbed of creativity? In this book, Andrew Tucker presents an insider's tour of talents, from well established designers to newcomers like Hussein Chalayan and Copperwheat Blundell. These clothes designers are linked to others: hatters such as Philip Treacy, shoemakers, such as Patrick Cox and Manolo Blahnik, jewellers, underwear makers and many others. The book includes a comprehensive reference section which lists names and addresses of London's specialist shops, including many known only to the cognoscenti, and of designers, photographers and textile makers.Amazon.com Review
Is London the fashion capital of the world? It certainly seemsthat way thanks to this glorious new book, packed with more than 380arresting photographs and illustrations. Journalist Andrew Tucker'scompendium of both legendary and new fashion names revels in thevibrancy of homegrown designer and entrepreneurial talent that makesLondon such an exciting place to be in the 1990s. A host of coolindividuals and happening areas trip off each page--everyone who isanyone is featured, from doyennes of the industry such as VivienneWestwood and Zandra Rhodes to relative newcomers Abe Hamilton andStella McCartney. Hip areas across the city are covered, whether theybe the traditional shopping enclaves of Knightsbridge or the latestdiscovery--the area around Old Street in the East End. Indispensableadditions include the trendiest shop listings and a varied index ofdesigner biographies.

This bold, beautiful book is much more than just an attractivecoffee-table decoration. It is an imaginatively compiled andinvaluable guide to the London fashion scene that lives up to itspromise that it "will serve as a reminder of how it is, how it was,and how it could be again in the future." Buy it andindulge. --Catherine Taylor ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

London Fashion? Bitter reader.
A book about London Fashion but really might as well not bother because it is so dated that it only shows us what we know already. Was hoping to learn something new about London Fashion -after all who wants to hear the same old thing about the same people all the time? Well here's your chance. If you are looking for a book which shows you anything new this is not the one!!!
Buy any of the Taschen Fashion books - you get better pictures and some interesting written pieces also.

Cool Britania
As one of the designers featured in this book I can say that it documents across section of London Style. It's not just a book full of pictures of frocks and models there are also interviews with fashion designers,shopping guides and information about the London Fashion colleges. A moderndocumentation of the ever changing face of London fashion. A must see foranyone with an interest in fashion. ... Read more

Product Description
Serious fashionistas will simply devour Visionaries, Susannah Frankel's collection of in-depth interviews with 23 of the world's top couturiers-and the only book of its kind. From Azzedine Alaïa to Zandra Rhodes, Ghost to Jean-Paul Gaultier, Vivienne Westwood to Junya Watanabe, plus, of course, the names behind such universally recognized monograms as CdG, D&G, and YSL, each ultra-chic subject openly deconstructs his or her own designs. Originally written at pivotal moments in their careers, the profiles offer exclusive insights into not only the mind of the creator in question, but also the cultural climate at the time. Archival runway pictures, portraits, and glamorous new shots by some of the hottest photographers in the industry illustrate this sharp, smart volume. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Smart, sharp coffee table book
The interviews in the book were originally published in the Independent, the Guardian and Dazed & Confused. They cover a wide range of modern designers and is well-illustrated by the crisply chosen photographs.

Particularly nice moments are the interview with Helmut Lang, Vivienne Westwood'sphotographic portrait, and the interview with Paul Smith.

Nice to have.

personal talk
Claire Wilcox has put together an amazing collection of interviews with the world's top designers.From the up and coming Alexander McQueen to the legends such as Yes Saint Laurent and Vivianne Westwood.Every major designer you can think of is interviewed in this book.Along with the text their are fine pictorial displays of the artists (designers) and images of their work.It is a must for anyone that is involved with the fashion world. ... Read more

Product Description
Fifty years of British fashions—from Hardy Amies’ sensible wool suit for Queen Elizabeth II (1956) to a sequined denim bustier and velvet miniskirt by Katharine Hamnett (1989). Two dolls model 30 outfits by designers that include Laura Ashley, Edward Molyneaux, Mary Quant, Vivienne Westwood, Caroline James, and many others. A lavish display for paper dolls fans, fashion buffs, and Anglophiles of all ages.
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Product Description
Gianni Versace has said of himself, "I don't care for half-measures. I believe in making clear-cut choices." Versace's fashion is about such bold and unequivocal choices. Unafraid of being denounced by those less daring and more fearful than himself, he makes fashion meant to be worn by those who share his desire for risk--who share his honesty about sexuality and his self-confidence in aesthetic choice. Traditionally, fashion designers begin with innovations in their first collections, develop fans and followers, and ultimately settle into a style that is the designer's trademark, with modest adaptations to the season and fashion currents. Gianni Versace is different. The New York Times remarked on a 1996 showing:"Gianni Versace ended the day with his collection, dedicated to 'a woman who listens to classical music but enjoys rock, who reads The New Yorker and Calvino but can have a laugh at gossipy chronicles, who adores wearing Versace with Calvin Klein jeans or Versace jeans with a Chanel jacket.' If that sounds like a personal ad . . . it could be, because Mr. Versace is not setting up housekeeping with clients who have married him in the past; he is always courting someone new." Indeed, Versace is an uncompromising designer--one who develops and expands not only in the public arena of fashion but also in the even larger area of popular culture.

Versace's energy has become famous; he makes it clear both as a designer and as a human being that he prizes life. Already by the late 1970's, Gianni Versace was in command of his distinctive style. He was able to combine absolute power and authority with comfortable materials and a relaxed silhouette. Even then he was designing the most confident clothing of his time. Who else, after all, would combine silk and leather with the panache of American sportswear? Who else would have let the pleats in the silk blouse become the center of ever-widening ripples that make troughs in the soft leather skirt? While Versace's designs are celebrated as unabashedly sexual, they nonetheless possess a strong sense of personal grace. Versace shows an unerring talent for bringing from the street those extravagant and graceful elements that represent the best in contemporary style. No major designer living today has more successfully transfigured the street's reality into convincing style--all the while keeping in sight the extravagant possibilities of Baroque and Renaissance motifs. Versace understands, perhaps better than any designer of his time, that fashion's place in the world is at the center of visual spectacle. With intelligent commentary and celebrated photographs of Versace designs, this book presents the Versace spectacle in all its boldness and sensuality.

In this volume, we see Versace at once as the designer of the Byzantine Madonna, of the performer of Madonna, of modern sportswear infused with Italian Renaissance pageantry, of 1930's-inspired slinky gowns, and of an entirely new 1990's couture vision.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Extraordinary Look At Fashion Today!
This book was amazing.Not only did it clearly and concisely explore the world of fashion, but photography and the models involved as well.Versace is a genius, may he rest in peace, and his clothing is wonderfullyorchestrated.I recommend this book to anyone who is even remotelyinterested in fashion or the business which accompanies it.The story isshown through the pictures and the clothing, the smiles and the frowns. Versace is quite amazing, as is this book! ... Read more

Product Description
Designer Fashion Dolls features an astoundingvariety of dolls either designed by, endorsed by, or embodying afashion celebrity. From the Theatre de la Mode, Elsa Schaiparelli, andMadame Alexander, through Barbie's elegant epochs, tributes to Jackie,Marilyn, and Diana, right up to today's Gene, Designer FashionDolls is a lavish look at the elite of the fashion doll universe. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Lousy
This book is only 5 X 7 inches and has small poor quality pictures. Not worth the money at all. Don't waste your money on this one!

Wonderful book!!!! Excellent ebay seller!!!! A+A+A++++++++++
Loved this book!!! A wonderful addition to my collection! Anyone who loves Barbies will really enjoy this book!!!!

This doll book is not just for those who think pink!
There are collectors' manuals and then there are guides that enthrall both beginners and experts. Beauregard Houston-Montogmery's "Designer Fashion Dolls" is that rarity. The author's knowledge of the dollworld--from bisque to vinyl--is all-encompassing. His photos are a joy, andhis text provides both insight and wit. Best of all, Houston-Montgomeryclearly lives in the real world and demonstrates how each doll is theproduct of her own culture and times. This book belongs on every dollaficionado's bookshelf beside those heirloom NRFB Barbies.

This doll book is not just for those who think pink!
There are collectors' manuals and then there are guides that enthrall both beginners and experts. Beauregard Houston-Montogmery's "Designer Fashion Dolls" is that rarity. The author's knowledge of the dollworld--from bisque to vinyl--is all-encompassing. His photos are a joy, andhis text provides both insight and wit. Best of all, Houston-Montgomeryclearly lives in the real world and demonstrates how each doll is theproduct of her own culture and times. This book belongs on every dollaficionado's bookshelf beside those heirloom NRFB Barbies. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The only essential fashion reference book
Contemporary Fashion has more useful factual content thanany other fashion book ever published.It is regrettable that Gale/St. James could not have putmore of their resources into its presentation.Richard Martin, the only distinguished scholar in the field,edits a substantive encyclopedia of post-war fashion throughoutthe world, and the book falls pitifully short of its contentin its weak binding, design and the illustrations are poor, indeed.They may as well have released it as an un-illustrated work, for their scholarly text is accompanied by off-focus black and whitephotographs completely un-satisfactory in describing the the work and sometimes embarassing in their printing [negativesprinted backwards in at least two instances].It is a shame that an ess ... Read more