Product Description
A History of Men's Fashion is divided into four parts that follow the sartorial evolution of the male wardrobe from the era of Beau Brummell, which created the model of the gentlemen and the dandy, to the "anti-fashion" trends of the early 1990s.

Part One (1760-1850) traces the era of tails and the frock coat, the emergence of the pantaloon and the influence of Anglomania on European fashion. Men's fashion in Europe's fin de siecle climate, and the impact of ready-made garments are discussed in Part Two (1850-1914). Part Three (1914-1940) introduces the aesthetic of the sweater and the variations on the suit and vest as part of the post-World War I moral liberation and economic euphoria, and traces changes all the way through to the New Deal and the new American elegance. The post-World War II fashion revolution is described in Part Four (1940-1990) from zoot suits, spurred by the black American jazz scene, to London's Mod fashion of the 60s, Pierre Cardin and the new French style, the emergence of Italian chic, and the hippie and punk styles of the 70s. The book is completed by a perceptive discussion of contemporary designers such as Jean-Paul Gaultier, Giorgio Armani, Ralph Lauren, Comme des Garcons, and Yohji Yamamoto.

Farid Chenoune's lively and accessible text is filled with amusing anecdotes about male dress and grooming. He vividly places style transformations in the context of contemporary fashion criticism, history, social etiquette, manufacturing and marketing revolutions, and highlights public and private responses to fashion trends. By analyzing fashion's symbolic, social, and economic frames of reference he lays before us the entire fabric of the intellectual, spiritual, and material forces of the modern era. The copious illustrations for this book, many reproduced here for the first time, are drawn from fashion designs, paintings, drawings, cartoons, tailor's model books, magazines, and rare, impromptu photographs of masculine style in city streets.
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Customer Reviews (4)

The best and most concise book on Men's Wear
If you can only afford one really good book on Men's Wear, this is it. To accurately cover the vast span of American and Western European Men's Wear in one volume is a monumental achievement. While some things are omitted, I am in awe at how much is in this book. The details of style and subcultures are explored, though briefly. The text is intelligently written, and the photos are clear and abundant. I can't recommend this enough!

Absolutely the best history!
This is a masterpiece of social history.Wonderful illustrations, by paintings, drawings, and photographs.I actually read the text cover to cover because the socio historic context of the clothing was so fascinating, and well written.Until I read this book I had no idea that men's clothes had so much meaning.Also, kudos to the author for being expansive and inclusive about the class context and the class consciousness of clothing, and covering what working men wore.

My only regret that there isn't something as well written about women's fashion.The only books seem to be about haute couture, about what the top 1 or 2% wealthy society women wore (Chanel, Vionnet, Charles David, ad nauseum) at a given time in history.Who cares.What did real women wear, and what were the class differences, that is what I would like to know.Mr. Chenoune, it's up to you, if you are interested at all in women's fashion.

An excellent overview of 1760-1990
This weighty book is a wonderful source of primary research-- paintings, drawings, period designs & photographs, even political cartoons of thetime.Unmarred by drawings-of-paintings or other unhelpful secondhandimages, it details Western European and American fashions, with awell-written emphasis on the connections to status, politics, & otherissues of the day.

While you understandably won't see exhaustive materialdevoted to each of the 230 years, the coverage is consistent andconnectable.There are also substantial forays into fun things like ZootSuits & pinstriped gangster chic, yet there's room for esoterica;buttoning up one's gloves to indicate anger fashionably, why striped shirtswere low-class & shirt ruffles were not, & the late-Victorian wayof exhibiting a gentlemanly manner (gently wrinkled clothing, little signsof wear, & a stammer!)

Rather touchingly, it also shows that nothingis truly new under the sun...did you know that bell-bottoms, called"Oxford bags", were a hot look in 1925?

This is a greatdepiction of men's fashion evolution, broad without being simple.

A Great Book
Although I did not purchase this book, I checked it out for a project I was doing in History class.This book contains hundreds of pictures, along with them there are details on the history of them.I would suggest thisbook to anyone interested in fashion and in need of a book for a project! ... Read more

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Product Description
Take a tour of the top couture fabric design houses of Paris during the early 1960s. This visual feast explores more than 250 exemplary designs in full-color photographs of fabric swatches. Explore a multitude of styles, ranging from playful geometrics to novelty prints and from abstract experimentation to the increasingly far-out florals that would mark the decade. Beautifully detailed shots present a close look at the cream of the early 1960s crop from Paris's best couture houses. Each fabric sample illustrated lists the date of publication, as well as the fabric content when known. A special section explores upholstery and household fabrics of the era. In all, this is a comprehensive guide and an indispensable aid for both designers and students. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Disappointing from Cover indication....
When I saw the prints on the cover I had higher expectations. Inside the book, I found the designs repetitive and uninspired, not what you expect from the 60's. ... Read more

Product Description
In a contemporary, cross-generational twist on one of our favourite childhood stories, Camilla Morton - fashion journalist, international bestselling author of "How to Walk in High Heels", and John Galliano's "Girl Friday" - invites a legend from the fashion world to tell his life story in fairytale format. In this book, Camilla re-tells the story of "Sleeping Beauty" with beloved French designer Christian Lacroix as the prince, tracing the arc of his career from his early days in haute couture to the opening of his eponymous fashion house. In a whimsical twist, Lacroix's damsel is not in need of a kiss, but a fashion makeover. Accompanied by gorgeous 4-color illustrations drawn by Lacroix himself and fit to the individual scenes in the text, this story romanticizes and puts into fairytale form Lacroix's awe-inspiring career in fashion. The result is an intriguing combination of whimsy and memoir. Illuminating Lacroix's creative magic, this book is both a new twist on the well-worn fashion biography and a new take on one of our oldest fairytales. Printed in a glossy, collectible format, this book is the perfect gift to give, share, and collect.Aspirational and inspirational, pairing well-loved classics with well-known names, Camilla's fairytale memoirs will whisk you away with their own versions of "Once Upon a Time". ... Read more

Product Description
This is an authoritative survey of textile arts—unique and collectible rugs, tapestries, garments, and more—from all parts of Africa. Five sections detail the textile history and traditions of west, north, east, central, and southern Africa, examining materials, dyes, decorations, patterns, and techniques. 572 color, 12 b&w illustrations ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Terrific Book
I found this terrific book by accident: from Google Images I was directed to Amazon.uk where I found this wonderful, very descriptive write up.Since it is such a thorough review of this book, I felt compelled to cut and paste it to share with you.Clearly, this book is destined to be very much the Bible on this subject:

"New in paperback, this book remains the most comprehensive survey of African textiles on the market today, illustrating in over 570 spectacular colour photographs the traditional, handcrafted, indigenous textiles of the whole continent. Covering, region by region, the handmade textiles ofWest, North, East, Central and Southern Africa, African Textiles outlines the vast array of techniques used as well as the different types of loom, materials and dyes that help to create these sumptuous textiles.With a useful glossary and map, a guide to collections open to the public, and suggestions for further reading, this book provides a wealth of information on the rich art of African textiles."

Well said.Note: 570 color photographs:I would only add: most are FULL PAGE.Truly remarkable.

Thank you Mr.Gillow!

An outstanding presentation any library strong in African art history will relish
John Gillow's AFRICAN TEXTILES: COLOR AND CREATIVITY ACROSS A CONTINENT is the first comprehensive survey to illustrate the textiles of the entire continent, region by region, covering the handmade textiles of every area and using an outline of techniques used to create the different works. Full color illustrations of items such as Pygmy bark cloth from the Congo and Ethiopian weavings makes for an outstanding presentation any library strong in African art history will relish.

Astounding creativity captured in a book
John Gillow's African Textiles is an inspiring review of the diverse creativity of textiles in Africa.I read this book before I travelled in south and south-eastern Africa and it helped me identify what I was seeing and its quality.A fantastic and well written resourse.

African Textiles in an Amazing Source
This book is a wonderful source of material for anyone doing historical research on African and subgroup textiles. It has sections from Ghana, Niger, Nigeria, Eastern African, etc. It goes in a good depth on the process and cultural influence of each textile and their signifigance. The illustrations are also an amazing quality with good size picture. As a Theatre Studies major, I had to research material for Nigerian costuming and this book was a nice resource to get a feel of the fabric in this region. Although this book doesn't go too much in depth about the attire Africans wore, it does go about telling what fabrics are used. This is definitely a must buy. ... Read more

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Presents readers with a visual showcase of the various innovations, trends, and creative ideas across a wide variety of design and artistic disciplines - featuring the work of experienced designers and artists, as well as up-and-coming talent. ... Read more

Product Description
Splendid selection of 210 black-and-white inventions from legendary designer’s productions for Harper’s Bazar, 1918–32. Also, 8pp. of full-color covers, originals now prized collector’s items. Captions. Publisher’s Note.
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Customer Reviews (6)

Plenty to Look At
I love art and am always on the look out for great art books. Erte is a favorite artist of mine and when I found this inexpensive book, I jumped at it! Plenty of pictures, mostly black and white, and less fluff! Too many art books fill entire pages with well known images. This book is the opposite and has tons of great illustrations from Erte. For the price, who can complain? I would recommend this book to anyone who loves the 20's, studies fashion, and/or enjoys art.

Erte's Fashion Designs
This is a lovely little book that includes many georgeous fashion illustrations in the art deco style.An excellent book for the art deco enthusiast, or those those looking for new design ideas.

Unique and inspirational styles
These designs may not always be emblematic of actual clothing in the 1920's, but they represent some of the most innovative, dramatic, and stylish stuff from the era, and remain inspirational to this day. The book features a few of his more ordinary designs, but also includes "Harper's Bazar" covers, theatrical designs, and some amazing haute couture. While there are no pictures of extant costumes, this book of illustrations, quite a few in color, is beautiful, stylish, and motivating.

Great costuming source
One of the best!Truly unusual designs for creative figurative art dolls. Highly recommended.

A good example of Erte's work.
With this book you get a glimpse into the master's mind at the birth of Art Deco and beyond.Erte's designs flourished in the mid-20's,when the Deco age was new, but you can still sense a taste for the noveau and baroque ages in his art and gorgeous designs.Erte was a pioneer artist untill his death and anyone seeking to learn true fashion design will benefit from the vision of Erte. ... Read more

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FASHION PRINTS is a concise step-by-step guide to designing symmetrical and repeat patterns for fashion design. The book contains 12 chapters, each containing a wide range of basic elements needed to create a pattern. It is demonstrated how to make various grids and how to apply the design elements to come to a repeating pattern. The visual approach makes these procedures very easy to understand and helps the reader develop his/her own creative ideas.Furthermore, each chapter gives a number of examples how to apply colour to the patterns. Last but not least, step-by-step drawings are included showing how to render the result on a fashion figure.All design elements are stored on the accompanying free CD-Rom and allow for near limitless variations in creating designs according to your own taste and style.Fashion Prints is a must-have for everybody interested in textile and fashion design. ... Read more

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Aiming to explore and expand the relationship between fashion and art, this catalogue for an exhibition at the Museum Boijmans van Beuningen features an impressive range of contributors and is accompanied by three introductory essays. All works displayed at the museum are featured in this publication that includes pieces commissioned especially for the exhibition from Viktor & Rolf, Hussein Chalayan, Walter van Beirendonck, Anna-Nicole Ziesche and Naomi Filmer. In addition, the works of Louise Bourgeois, Helen Chadwick, BLESS, Sandra Backlund, Nick Cave, Jana Sterbak, Christophe Coppens and Maison Martin Margiela, among others, are also featured. ... Read more

Product Description
Bridging the gap between the study of aesthetics and its application in the merchandising and design environments, the 2nd Edition of Understading Aesthetics presents a research-based focus on the concepts of aesthetics and their effect on product value and consumer behavior. The multisensory approach to studying the elements and principles of design helps students master the underlying factors of successful design and learn how products and their promotional surroundings can establish brand identity and create a pleasing environment for the consumer. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Buy again
That's right. I bought this book for the second time. It's clever perspective and unusual analogies make it a book you'll want to hold on to. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

London's pathway to becoming a major international fashion center
The English cultural historian O'Bryne (author of After a Fashion: A History of Fashion in Ireland) and London fashion promoter Worsley-Taylor (e. g., London Fashion Week, London Design Collections) follow how London rose to become a world-class fashion center starting in the mid 1970s and continues to maintain this position by a "superabundance of design originality." The story is told by highlighting particularly influential designers and events within phases of the pathway to the top; including the germinal factors, business sense and practices assimilated into the fashion world, and the crisis of the global recession in the latter 1980s which might have ended the developments. The many color photographs are instructive in supporting the author's account of the innovation and appeal of the London fashion industry. These photographs are accompanied by many others of leading designers and of celebrities such as Andy Warhol and Tina Turner who became interested in the developments and also took part in promotional events.

The most important germinal factor was Britain's punk rock. "Widely reviled, punk nevertheless touched some kind of nerve with the general public." Along with the general sense of excitement and promise it sent through the popular culture, punk rock (and its cousin New Wave music) showed that artistic success was possible without the imprimatur of the traditional media and cultural critics. The clothing of these musicians as well as their hair styles and performance behavior also generated a social milieu and anticipations new fashion styles could flourish in. Punk rock's worldwide popularity while keeping its association with England set the stage for the development of the fashion industry along new avenues. And punk rock sent the message that England was moving out of its image of staidness and propriety exemplified by its reputation as a financial center into the constantly changing and commercially important field of popular culture.

Familiar social phenomena especially from the media and entertainment fields and well-known celebrities are seen in new perspectives in being woven into the vibrant London fashion scene. The work is a pleasing combination of keen social history and art/coffee-table book.
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Located between the two maritime routes connecing East and West Asia, Sumatra, the fabled Isle of Gold, was for centuries the source for much of the world's pepper. In the southern tip of Sumatra, the peoples of Lampung, or "Pepperland," poured the profits of their trade into ceremonial materials and adornments. The ornate tubular sarongs known as tapis were hand-woven from cotton and silk threads, colored with ancestral dye recipes, embellished with gold- and silver-wrapped threads, embroidered with silk or pineapple fiber threads, and appliqued with mirrors and mica. These sumptuous garments communicated a family's global contacts, social station, and clan identity. Mary-Louise Totton writes about the history, materials and techniques, content and imagery, and present-day contexts of these extraordinary textiles. ... Read more

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Pucci is the pioneering Italian fashion brand. He is the prince of prints, his vision and legacy. "Vintage Art Edition" limited to just 500 signed and numbered copies. Each book is bound in an original vintage Pucci fabric and is accompanied by four art prints of original drawings from the designer Emilio Pucci. Each book will be signed by his daughter Laudomia Pucci who continued to design under the Pucci name after Emilio's death in 1992 and who is Image Director and Deputy Chairman of the company since 2000. ... Read more

Product Description
Tailoring books typically focus on the construction of tailored garments, beginning with the selection of ready-made patterns and concluding with the assembly of the various pieces. Tailored Fashion Design will begin a few steps ahead in the design process—providing
students with inspiration and guidance to make their own patterns for tailored jackets, which they will then execute using contemporary tailoring techniques that the book will also outline. Fashion illustrations will show students the many silhouettes that the tailored jacket can take-from formal and elegant to causal and sporty-for both men and women. Basic jacket blocks will be included with instructions on how to manipulate details within the patterns to achieve a whole new look. Profiles of professional designers who incorporate tailoring into their collections will further highlight the important place that the technique of tailoring continues to hold in today's fashion industry. Students will learn to consider tailoring as a design element, rather than just a method of garment assembly. As a result, they'll begin to appreciate tailoring as a viable skill that not only displays their ability to put garments together, but also showcases their creativity as designers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

We worship Shell
We found this book at the library and it so impressed us that we've actually started having Shell competitions at work.The book is so full of inspiring ideas and easy-to-use techniques.And the children's clothingideas...

Shell is a role model for us here at work and we all strive toincorporate her ideas of clothing conservation and decoration.In fact, weLIVE by Shell's rules of life and have constructed a shrine (recycled, ofcourse!) in her honor.

Feminity and Romance on a shoestring....
If you are frustrated by living in a world of "cookie cutter" fashions, that do not offer even a hint of feminity, then Shell Kepler's "MAKE FASHION MAGIC", is the exact book you should purchase.Shell's down to earth and simplistic approach in showing you how toembellish either your current clothing or great second-hand finds, willleave you screaming for more.All women have a deep desire to feelfeminine andsexy and unfortunatley many of todays fashionsleave thatimportant part out. And many times when you do find clothing with her typeof style, the price tag equals the national debt! Purchase Shell's book andsee how she turns an ordinary white tuxedo jacket and a daring bustier intothe most romantic and sensual set of clothing you will ever own...Bedaring, be sexy and find the passion inside you with Shell's clothingideas.No more boring T-Shirts and plain old jeans after you purchase thisbook! ... Read more

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In this manual a top fashion designer shows how to make handmade bags cheaply and easily. There is a series of projects with step-by-step instructions to guide all would-be bag-makers and designers through the process of creating a bag. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Handmade Handbags
A fabulously simple and easy to follow guide to inspire you to create your own one off masterpieces.Highly Recommended

Rediculous looking things
Most of the purses in this book were so foolish looking I wouldn't use them if someone gave them to me, much less waste my time to make them.I was looking for bags to make and sell but I have found better ideas for free on the internet.To this books credit, it does give good instruction on construction basics such as pockets and linings.

Where are the patterns?
Handmade Bags is full of unique and gorgeous bags to make from a variety of materials, with detailed step-by-step instructions, tons of photos, and an introduction to basic sewing at the beginning.

This would be a fantastic book, BUT and this is a big BUT-there are no patterns.For the purses made out of alternative materials or knitted, this is not an issue, as the instructions and photos clearly show how to make the purse.For the sewn purses there is a small photo of a grid with a pattern outline shown and each grid square equals 2".The book has a section on how to make and use patterns, but for less experienced sewers this can be daunting.For purses in a basic square or rectangle shape making a pattern would be easy, but several of these bags have unique shapes so creating a pattern for them would be more difficult.Although it states how much fabric is needed for each purse, it doesn't give cut dimensions.Making the purses without patterns would be ok if the directions stated "cut the shape with a 16" base ending with a 20" fan shaped top."

Handmade Bags sends a mixed-message.It is written in a basic, mostly easy to use format that breaks the process down, so even a novice sewer could make make one of these bags, but the lack of patterns or cutting dimensions pushes it into the realm of experienced sewers.This makes the book frustrating for folks like me with basic sewing skills, but no experience or time to learn to make patterns.

Poor purses
This book is really well presented with amazing pictures and is easy to read. If you have any knowledge of sewing and any interest in making handbags that appear professional this is not the book for you, I think it should be reclassified as a craft book for kids. If you're an adult save your money.

Cool ideas!
There are a lot of cool ideas in this book, along with 30 bag patterns for you to follow. In addition to traditional fabric handbags, here are several "wire bag" designs in this book.

Written by professional accessory designers, this book is full of clever and innovative ideas. However, in spite of the creativity, I did not find many bags I would actually make.

However, it is well written with many good sewing tips. It even includes a fully illustrated section on hand-sewing which I found very useful.

If nothing else, this is a good "idea book". ... Read more

Product Description
Tattoos have moved into the mainstream and are continuing to grow in popularity.For people contemplating getting a tattoo, however, the choice of images can be overwhelming.THE TATTOO ENCYCLOPEDIA provides a comprehensive and informative exploration of the colourful world of tattoos.It presents precise descriptions of both common and unusual symbols and sheds light on their historic, religious and cultural significance. Organised in a convenient A-Z format, cross-referenced, indexed and illustrated with 300 pieces of authentic tattoo line art, the book features a stunning array of images from ancient Buddhist and Chinese designs to those sported by twenty-first century bikers.Whether choosing a personally significant tattoo, wanting to learn more about a symbol, or simply interested in tattoos as a form of art and body decoration, readers will discover the richness of tattoo culture in this treasury. ... Read more

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Henri Matisse's ancestors had been weavers for generations: textiles, a key to his visual imagination, were in his blood. Although he was to outgrow every other influence, textiles retained their power for him throughout his life. His studio in Nice was a treasure house of exotic Persian carpets, delicate Arab embroideries, richly hued African wall hangings, and any number of colorful cushions, curtains, costumes, patterned screens, and backcloths.

This sumptuously illustrated book, which accompanies a groundbreaking exhibition at the Musée Matisse, Le Cateau-Cambrésis; the Royal Academy of Arts, London; and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, explores for the first time Matisse's relationship with the textiles that surrounded him from his earliest days. Charting how the fabrics he painted became the very fabric of his painting, the authors examine the ways in which one of the greatest pioneers in modern art history used what he called his "working library" of textiles to furnish, order, and compose his extraordinary works of art.AUTHOR BIO: Ann Dumas is an independent exhibition curator. Jack Flam is professor of art and art history at Brooklyn College and New York University's Institute of Fine Arts. Rémi Labrusse is professor of contemporary art history at the Université de Picardie, Amiens. Hilary Spurling is working on the second volume of a biography of Matisse. Dominique Szymusiak is director of the Musée Matisse, Le Cateau-Cambrésis. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Art lover
This book is absolutely beautiful.I have always loved and been fascinated by Matisse and his use of textiles and glorious colors in his paintings, and this book gives an excellent background and family history on his use of textiles and his life-long love for fabrics and design, even during times when he was experiencing creative blocks.I keep this beautiful book on my coffee table!

Very Academic
Well,it isn't easy to write a review that goes cross current to the ones posted here already.
I love Matisse,and I sure do relate to his love for fabrics as a source of design inspiration.What the book leaves out is the fact that in the past,before computers, fabrics were designed first as colorful sketches.Matisse simply reversed the process to make paintings.
I guess what I dislike about this book is that there is no imaginative presentation of direct links between his collection of fabrics to his own art.
It is a very "stuffy" read.I wish I had spent my 60.00 canadian on a fabric website instead...
Sorry,folks, Yes,the book is concise,colorful, and very very "presented".I wanted something that was living and breathing between the covers...I did not find this to be inspiring, just preinterpreted, packaged andjust to wrapped up in academia for my tastes,I guess.It has a "feel" like the kind of book one can buy in the museam shop,to remind one of something they saw,and was thrilled by.Now,That is a GOOD thing,I do it lots of times! But, to a graduate of an art university,it was like sitting though a lecture and slide show.But,thats the type of book it is,and it does it well.Just not what I was hoping for,Not enough Matisse as the "Material" Boy...,just alot of academia telling me how to look and think about his work.Blah.Matisse was about Imagination,not sitting on his duff hearing about it...but participating in it...

matisse his art and his textiles
I thought it was a lovely book full of lovely pictures i had not seen before it gives u a real insight into this mans colourful life

A Gorgeous Book
This volume is the catalogue for a truly unusual show co-sponsored by the Royal Academy in London and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.For once, a team of art specialists has put together a Matisse exhibition which is more than a paean to this artist's use of color and a slapped-together collection of pretty pictures.While all of the paintings on display here are quite familiar to audiences as the bulk of them have been included in every Matisse show for the past 15 years, they have been given a new context by presenting them with examples of fabrics (both decorative and dress) from Matisse's personal collection.The offspring of weavers, Matisse possessed an appreciation for pattern and textiles from his earliest years.Fabrics were some of his favorite props, necessary for him to create the orientalist, hothouse atmosphere of the 1920s "Nice period" paintings, the chic calligraphy of his 1930s work, and the simplicity and repetition of his 1940s cut-outs.While the exhibition itself was not a large one, this book has got to be one of the most beautiful catalogues the Metropolitan Museum has ever produced.The stunning design interweaves full-color images of individual textiles with "their" respective paintings...It is a fascinating experience to see the same purple striped turkish robe or peasant blouse transformed into a dazzling pattern on several different models in paintings and drawings separated by years in time.The standard of color reproduction here is exemplary - Matisse's brilliant colors literally jump off of the page and into your eyes! A necessary addition to any art library for the design and quality of illustration alone...

Matisse: His Art and His Textiles
This is a marvelous resource book, especially for fiber artists and those who enjoy reading careful research into specific aspects of an artist's work. It gives detailed information about the influence of textiles on his paintings, including his use of textile techniques: actual textiles from his personal collection as sources for painting Odalisque costumes and background, combining colors, and creating cutouts. ... Read more