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Customer Reviews (1)

High Fashion - Made in China
"As one of the most economically promising countries in the world today, China is attracting more attention from the international communities in all aspects. But very little is known about Chinese fashion, although the country is the largest clothing manufacturing center in the world".

The history of 20th century Chinese fashion has been as turbulent and dramatic as every other aspect of Chinese culture. Following an explosion of creativity during the Republican Era, a series of crises, occupations, wars, civil wars, natural disasters and revolution would bring the development Chinese fashion to a standstill for nearly 60 years. Author, lecturer and Shanghai-based fashion designer Christine Tsui has performed an invaluable service to students of contemporary Chinese fashion - in fact to everyone interested in fashion - by providing the first comprehensive overview in English outlining the growth of China's fashion industry from the Pre-Liberation Era to the 21st century.

For most Westerners, knowledge of Chinese fashion has been limited to a handful of lavishly illustrated coffee table books of Qing Dynasty Dragon robes and form-hugging Qipaos. If pressed to name a single contemporary Chinese designer (who actually lives and WORKS in China), most students of fashion design would be at a loss. Tsui's narrative of the birth of China's fashion industry not only seeks to remedy this critical ignorance but delivers a historical page-turner! From Hong Xiang, China's first international fashion firm (founded in Shanghai in 1917) to Wang Yi-Yang's anti-fashion Cha Gang (Tea Mug) fashion label - Tsui's account is seamless!

The development of a full-fledged homegrown fashion culture encountered numerous obstacles - both political and societal. Despite Deng Xiaoping's reforms, China's garment manufacturers were exclusively State Owned Enterprises, governed by multiple ministries. During this time, there were no schools that offered any courses in fashion design - "designers" applied for courses under the Department of Dying and Weaving and were evaluated based on their painting and drawing abilities while students gifted with tailoring skills were assigned to courses in "Clothing Engineering."On a societal basis, western fashion was embroiled in a politically-charged love-hate relationship; loved by many young people who secretly yearned for western goods and reviled by many of the older generation who found the progvactive, sexually frank fashions seen on the catwalk as an offense to traditional Chinese modesty. Indeed, during these early years (the late 70s to mid-80s) all of China did not even have a single professional modeling agency.

Tsui focuses on the life and work of nine contemporary, post-Mao Chinese fashion designers: Wang Xinyuan, Wu Haiyan, Liu Yang, Frankie Xiefeng, Ma Ke, Liang Zi, Wang Yi-Yang, Lu Kun and Ji Ji.


If there is any fault to this book, it is because it is an academic text: while including more than 150 photographs, all are in black and white. The book has a simple, reader-friendly layout: Each historic period - Pre-Liberation, New China, the Cultural Revolution, and the three decades since China's opening (the 80s, 90s and the new century) - are provided an overview focusing on the major developments in China's fashion industry. Following this historic context, each of the featured designers receives a summary of their portfolio, awards, and critical acclaim, an extended biographical sketch and a brief dialogue with the author.

The first generation of designers were true pioneers. Not only did they have to deal with the egos and intrigues for which the fashion world is famous, but also they had to find their own way in an industry that up until, that time, had not existed. Their tenacity - even heroism - is truly inspiring, as they endured stunning setbacks, betrayals, bankruptcies, crooked partners and jealous rivals. Even with their all of their talent and resolve, these gifted designers still struggle against the relentless march of globalization. The continuing economic recession and the general market contraction for haute couturehave presented additional challenges to maintaining locally produced brands and labels, and sad to say, at least of couple of the designers Tsui profiled (Ma Ke and Ji Ji) have already left the runway to focus on creating art and design in other media.

In her conclusion, Tsui writes: "Chinese fashion designers have dreamed of establishing designer labels in Western markets since the first generation of designers became prominent. Yet, despite this prominence in the inner fashion circles of China, the designers had trouble breaking into the mainstream Western market." Will "Made in China" one day enjoy the same prestige as the fashion centers Paris and Tokyo now enjoy? Only time will tell.

All-in-all, Christine Tsui has done a valuable service in presenting a succinct, and entertaining - albeit, highly-selective - introduction to contemporary Chinese fashion. No fashion library should be without this important little book. Now - what we need are a few more over-sized collectors' editions so we can see these fashions in full color!
... Read more

Product Description
Where do designers’ ideas come from? How are those wisps of inspiration transformed into a clothing collection? Who informs the public of fashion trends? The multibillion-dollar fashion industry is chronicled endlessly in magazines and newspapers from Vogue to People to the New York Times; millions of readers and observers -- and shoppers -- follow the styles from season to season. Stylemakers: Inside Fashion is a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of contemporary fashion design.

The authors have interviewed and photographed more than 90 stylemakers to illuminate public figures as well as those who work in the shadow of glitter and celebrity. "The Prophets" include trend and color forecasters, such as Li Edelkoort; art directors, illustrators, and creative directors; muses who inspire designers, such as Amanda Harlech for Karl Lagerfeld; and extremists, fashion’s fabulous risk-takers. "The Gurus" are writers and critics (Hal Rubenstein of InStyle magazine, William Norwich of the New York Times), stylists, publicists, photographers, and fashion show producers. "The Players" are the business moguls, such as Bernard Arnault of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton; ringleaders, such as Fern Mallis of the Council of Fashion Designers of America; retailers and promoters; Internet marketers; and deal-makers. Together these individuals represent all facets -- public and private -- of the fashion world. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Deep inside the world of fashion
Stylemakers is a wonderful book. Though it was not what I was really looking for, I learned a lot about the people behind fashion. This is not a book for those looking for some guidelines into styling or some educational textbook about the matter. It is more about the names and the organizations that rule the world of fashion and that are hardly ever recognized publicly. If you aspire to be a Fashion literate, this is a good book to start with.

even wrote a song!! *_*
oh my god marcia sherill is so cool, i even wrote a song about her and those folks over at pentagram!it's at www.freqnyc.comDid you know she's working on a TV pilot called Coolhunters? i hope she makes lots of money off this work of art, she's a genius!

Very Unique
I read Stlylemakers:inside fashion. I found the book fascinating in that I never knew there are so many people and personalities involved in a fashion company and its brand. The book is one of the most informative books I have read. It is a great guide for students going to fashion schools or entering the industry. Also, it is a fun book to read!!!

A glimpse into what makes fashion--that you never imagined
This book was a gift to me from someone who knows I love fashion. But loving fashion does not automatically mean understanding the creation of fashion--as I learned from this book.The book educated me to the great complexity beyond just designing and marketing. (And I thought I knew...)
The vignettes, bio's and photographs were exciting and fun.
This is a great book for anyone who loves fashion. And a great book for anyone who wants to peer into the hip & fast world of stylists, forecasters, editors, etc. The visuals of the book are beautiful. It now sits on my coffee table--and always gets comments. ... Read more

Product Description
It takes creativity, hard work and a true passion for fabulous designs to achieve success as a fashion designer, but you can break into this career much more quickly and easily with the FabJob Guide to Become a Fashion Designer. In this book you will discover how you can get started and succeed as a fashion designer.The guide covers topics of vital importance if you want to learn fashion design, get hired as a fashion designer, or start your own fashion design business in the United States or Canada. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A good book for the novice
This book was pretty good. It just didn't elaborate on important aspects
of designing like spec sheets and grading.It didn't even provide
illustrations of garment specification.However, for those who wish to
start a fashion design business, the book's CD-ROM did provide examples
of important business forms used in the fashion industry. The book also
mentions useful information about e-commerce.Overall, I would give the
book a B- grade.
D.D.F.
Eastern U.S.

FabJob Guide is Fabulous
I've found this book to be very valuable with usefull tips and references to help direct an aspiring fashion designer.It seems to be a well rounded book. ... Read more

Product Description
This handsomely illustrated volume examines fifty of the most influential fashion designers of the past 100 years. Each designer's most significant creations are illustrated and discussed in light of how they survived the test of time, and then went on to influence fashion to the present day. The author categorizes leading fashion designers as follows--

Product Description

Product Description
This book is part of the Young Designers series which focus on young and innovative Designers. Young European Fashion Designers presents a new generation of designers that have today made an impact on the future of fashion. They are not only creating the look of the times, but also have a profound influence on what soon will happen in fashion. These Designers stand for innovation and courage. This book illustrates the style of each of the designers in brilliant color photos that document a wide variety of earlier and current pieces from their collections, look book excerpts, catwalk and campaign scenes. Small portraits introduce the fashion designer as personalities with their respective philosophy and manner of working. An index with contact information is enclosed at the end of the book. ... Read more

Product Description
Since its publication in hardcover in 1989, New York Fashion has become a defining book on the story of American fashion. Covering the great changes that have taken place in the fashion world from the early 19th century to the late 20th century, Caroline Rennolds Milbank also charts the rise of the great American designers: Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, and others. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Classic high fashion isn't all Dior and Balenciaga - it comes in red, white and blue too!
It may seem funny to speak of high fashion as being a subject for patriotic pride, but in fact, Americans don't need to look across the Atlantic for great couturiers; there are plenty of 'em in the Big Apple! Caroline Rennolds Millbank, who's also written the excellent _Couture_ and _The Couture Accessory_, turns her attention to the great designers, past and present, of the New York fashion scene.She reminds us all that Paris and Milan are not the only places that can produce superb couture, with hundreds of splendid B&W and color photographs (many in full-page format) and in-depth commentary on American designers from Mainbocher to Norell to McCardell.Kudos to Milbank for looking at great designers who aren't covered as often as they should be in books.

Remarkable Resource
As a vintage clothing collector and seller, this is an invaluable resource for me. Ideal for a beginner, as well as a seasoned collector. An interesting read and a wonderful and useful book for just "looking up" a designer when necessary. It's a must have for the field.

Can't Live Without It
What a way to meet the talented American designers. .Before Calvin, Ralphand Donna, there was Norell, McCardell and Mainbocher. Caroline Milbankintroduces them and shows you their signature designs.A "musthave" for fashion fans! ... Read more

Product Description
From Joanie's Marilyn Monroe-esque pencil skirts to Betty's classic Grace Kelly cupcake dresses, the clothes worn by the characters of the phenomenal Mad Men have captivated fans everywhere. Now, women are trading in their khakis for couture and their pumas for pumps. Finally, it's hip to dress well again. Emmy-Award winning costume designer Janie Bryant offers readers a peek into the dressing room of Mad Men, revealing the design process behind the various characters' looks and showing every woman how to find her own leading lady style--whether it's vintage, modern, or bohemian.

Bryant's book willpeek into the dressing room of Mad Men and reveal the design process behind the various characters' looks.But it will also help women learn how fashion can help convey their personality.She will help them cultivate their style, including all the details that make a big difference.

Bryant offers advice to ensure that a woman's clothes convey her personality. She covers everything from where to find incredible vintage clothing and accessories to how to pair those authentic pieces with modern shoes and jeans. Readers will learn how to find their perfect bra size, use color to convey a mood, and invest in the ten essentials every woman should own. And just so the ladies don't leave their men behind, there's even a section on making them look a little more Don Draper-dashing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Fabulous Fashion
This book is a great addition to any fashionista's collection.I devored it when it came--took me almost 2 days to do it and it was worth every penny I spent on it.Actually, it was a great price for a great book.

Excellent
The purchase I made was everything listed when I bought it. It was in perfect conditon, and look forward to doing business with them in the future! Thank you! ... Read more

Product Description
This book provides a concise and much-needed introduction to the sociology of fashion. Most studies do not make a clear distinction between clothing and fashion. Kawamura argues that clothing is a tangible product whereas fashion is a symbolic cultural product. She debunks the myth of "the genius designer" and explains that fashion is not about clothes but is a belief. There is an institutional structure, ignored by many fashion theorists, that has shaped and produced the fashion phenomenon. Kawamura further shows how the structural nature of the fashion system works to legitimize designers' creativity and can make them successful. Newer fashion cities, such as Milan and New York, are the product of the fashion system that originated in Paris. Without that systemic structure, fashion culture would not exist.
... Read more

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Fashion illustration is an essential tool every would-be designer must master, and in this practical and enlightening book for artists of any ability, instructor Bethan Morris covers all aspects of the art form.

Beginning with “Inspiration,” the chapters in Fashion Illustrator are chock-full of vibrant illustrations and professional advice on subjects like sketching figures, understanding body proportion, and the different range of media available (drawing, collage, digital), presented along with useful case studies, practical exercises, even tips for putting together a professional-looking portfolio. Morris also includes profiles of influential fashion illustrators, who offer valuable insight into the industry. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

i thought it was a great book..
I think people who have reviewed this book negatively were looking for something else, an instructional fashion drawing book, perhaps.However, this is not what the purpose of this book is for: it is more of a guide and inspiration for people who already are designers / illustrators.It gives great tips on presentation, layout, and tips on different rendering techniques both hand drawn as well as computerized design.It also interviews other fashion illustrators, and features their illustrations.

i thought this was a great book, the presentations & renderings are very modern and cutting edge, regardless of the medium.I graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology, and most of the fashion drawing books are published by professors from my school.Many of the processes / presentations by FIT professors are not as current as this book.They excel at things like rendering by hand; but there are virtually no books on fashion rendering / presentation in the modern era really utilizing computer skills.From a computerized design point of view; most of the programs, books, and methods by FIT are outdated.That's another reason why this book is so great; it features ideas & tips from current fashion designers & illustrators.Honestly I haven't seen another book that is so contemporary and that had such a high sense of aesthetic for fashion illustration.

If you are a beginning fashion designer, this is not a book for you.This is more of a book to enhance those who already have advanced rendering skills who want to improve their game.

Unimpressive -don't waste your time
I found it to be unimpressive and uninspiring.I didnt learn anything.Dont waste your time.In place of this I would recommend fashion design drawing course : principles, practice, and techniques : the ultimate guide for the aspiring fashion artist / Caroline Tatham, Julian Seaman, orStylishly drawn : contemporary fashion illustration / Laird Borrelli.

If you would like to learn how to draw fashion apparel on models I recommend
either:

Draw Fashion Models! (Discover Drawing Series) (Paperback)
by Lee Hammond

or

Fashion Sketchbook (Spiral-bound)
by Bina Abling

Hope this helps some.I am still looking for a book to show me how to bring my illustrations to life via Adobe Illustrator.

won`t teach you anything
This book tries to be about everything but it`s about nothing. Each part of the book is 5 pages long and only the part about illustrators is 50% of the book. Each illustrator answers same 8 questions and there is 1 of his drawing attached. Boring. For me waste of money. ... Read more

Product Description
The iconic British style magazine i-D once again brings you a guide to the world’s most important designers. From the biggest players in the international fashion industry including Karl Lagerfeld, John Galliano, and Marc Jacobs, to emerging names such as Kim Jones and Tess Giberson, to streetwear and sportswear brands A Bathing Ape, Nike, Diesel and Silas, Fashion Now II is a comprehensive survey of today’s best designers.

Expanded from the previous edition, Fashion Now II is illustrated with the very best fashion photography and styling, extracted from shoots in the archives of the magazine that celebrates its 25th birthday this year. Also included are an introduction by i-D founder and editor-in-chief Terry Jones, and in-depth essays on the issues that are shaping fashion today: the fashion show system, the precarious position of the celebrity designer, and the rise of menswear. Fashion Now II is an encyclopedia of fashion personalities, a portfolio of amazing imagery, but most of all, a snapshot of the fast-changing contemporary fashion world, as seen through the lens of one of the best-loved magazines published today. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Fashion Now 2 (Big Art) (v. 2)
I was really disappointed by this book as it doesn't go into enough detail about each designer. Because it is written in three languages it appears to have more infomation in it than it does. A very superficial coverage at best. Not what I was expecting at all. If it wasn't going to cost me $37 in postage to return it I would have asked for my money back.

The book captures me and at low price.
I didn't know what to expect when I just got this book for almost nothing. The seller is very honest and the book does looks like has some usage but I still looks good and I'm so sorry to have take awhile to get back . i really enjoy the book and i will cherish it as incoming designer.

Fashion
This book is a good one but I expected more. I purchased it thinking it would have info about fashion lines and such yet all it has is the history of the desginers and in size 1 font. You have to strain your eyes read it. But still it was very informational (is that a word?) and I did learn a few more designers names.

Good Relationship Price - Quality
I knew about fahion books published by Taschen during a Fashion Course I took last Summer in Italy. I got this one and another titled Fashion History and let me tell you that they offer really great books considering their price, quality, photos and the information presented about the topic.
This book contains a summary of the biographies and work of the most renowed Fashion Designers and the emerging talent on the Fashion Industry. I suggest to keep it not only as a reference book but also as a guide for further research.

one of the best!
this is one of the best fashion books out there. a breif discription of all the best designers in the industry. a good reference to keep. ... Read more

Product Description
Stunning new fashion designs in 285 color images. These are fresh, innovative creations from collections by recent graduates of sixteen of the most respected fashion design programs at colleges and universities across the United States. Garments from more than 100 talented designers now entering the fashion industry are featured, including looks for eveningwear, menswear, childrenswear, sportswear, and more. The wide range of work in this anthology is augmented with a brief dossier on each designer, including inspiration, materials, flats, and full-color fashion illustrations. This easy to navigate resource has garments organized alphabetically by designer and indexed graphically by school. It is an essential reference to the newest talent and trends in fashion. ... Read more

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"From Mosholu Parkway to the high fashion salons of Paris and Milan, Lisa Marsh takes us on a Mach-1 ride through the world of Calvin Klein. A well-told tale of a boy from the Bronx who revolutionized fashion and made himself rich, yet somehow failed to make himself happy. The essential, and eternal, morality play of business."
–Christopher Byron, author, Martha Inc.

"This is more than the rags-to-riches story of a creative genius peddling perfume and denim. Marsh brilliantly traces how our culture evolved in the last part of the twentieth century, as Calvin Klein pushed us toward his minimalist aesthetic and challenged our puritanism with his sexy advertising."
–Richard Johnson, Editor, New York Post’s Page Six

"Lisa Marsh gives us an informed and never-before-revealed look at the inner business workings of one of fashion’s most compelling brands . . . Her blending of business with a backdrop of fashion, tells a fascinating story of an iconic American brand’s struggles and successes, culminating with what seems to be the beginning of a ‘new chapter.’Even as an industry insider, I found the book to be fresh with a new point of view on one of the most talked about and written about designers in the business."
–Reed Krakoff, President/Executive Creative Director, Coach, Inc.

"More than any other designer, Calvin Klein has relied on advertising to create his company’s image. Author Lisa Marsh recognizes the mechanics behind the magic while telling Klein’s rags-to-riches story with style from beginning to end. It’s a compelling read and one you’ll learn from."
–Donny Deutsch, Chairman and CEO, Deutsch, Inc.

"Calvin Klein is not just a brilliant, creative designer and groundbreaking marketer . . .Calvin Klein is a company that has grown from wheeling a rack of coats from Seventh Avenue to Fifth Avenue to being the most recognized name in fashion around the world. Lisa Marsh takes you on that fascinating business trip."
–Fern Mallis, Executive Director, 7th on Sixth, Vice President, IMG

"Calvin Klein found an opening in men’s underwear and never looked back. Crack fashion scribe Lisa Marsh gets right there in the closet with him."
–Ben Widdicombe, columnist, "Chic Happens" ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Good intro to the fashion industry
This book describes the life and career of Calvin Klein, one of the more influential fashion designers in the last 30 years. The book is laid out in chronological order, beginning with Klein's childhood, education, early career, and his recent status as a fashion heavyweight and pop icon.

The book focuses more on his career, and how the fashion industry as a whole has affected and was affected by him.For those looking for gossip about Klein or his associates, this book will not provide it.What it does provide is an inside glimpse of how the fashion industry works.Klein is unique in that he has been involved in just about every aspect of the Western fashion industry some time or another in his life; whether it be making designs, creating supply chains, maintaining an actual clothing store, running a fashion company, selecting models, putting together ad campaigns, dealing with media, etc..As such, this book covers all these different aspects and shows the failures and successes of one man, Calvin Klein, in each of these sectors of the business.

The book also shows the conflicts between the big egos in fashion, how these conflicts play out, and how they affect employees of the fashion industry, and us the consumers.Last, the book gives a good idea of how money is divied up within the fashion world.Specifically, when someone buys an article of clothing at a store, that money gets divided among many different parties, and this book shows how that is done.

Overall, I am glad I read it.Nearly everyone in America is affected by the fashion industry, yet so few of us know anything about it.Reading this book helped changed that for me.I only give it three stars because for all the pluses of this book; I found it boring.Maybe I am just not interested in fashion.

no book
i did not purchase this book.hopefully i was not billed for it. if so please credit my account.
thank you.
william h. brown jr.

Not much juice
I expected to get a lot more from this book and was sadly disappointed. I hoped to read more about Calvin Klein's life and found myself struggling through dry chapters about corporate sales and whatnot. I went into it knowing this was a business book but thought it could've been better. It might be ok for people who read the Wall Street Journal regularly (then again, if that's the case, you probably would know everything in the book anyway). If you're just a fan of fashion and more interested in Klein's clothes and a biography of him, this is not the book for you.

Fascinating!
As a fan of Calvin Klein's clothing and fragrances, I was thrilled to finally see a biography on him. Although his name is everywhere and on everything, the man himself remained a mystery. Until I read this book. It offers a great behind-the-scenes peek into who he is, where he came from, and how he built such a succesful international business, despite many missteps along the way. A must-read for anyone interested in the man behind the myth.

A must read
If you are interested in fashion, this is a must read. The House of Klein is a fantastic book. The author shares the story of Calvin Klein with all the intimate details of his life and business. This is a book not to be missed! ... Read more

Product Description
Contributions by Thimo Teduits, San Van de Veire. Text by Luc Derycke. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Was revolutionary in it's time...
I bought this when it first came out in 2000, and remember thinking how crazy & original everything looked! But when I brought it out again in 2006 for old times sake, I couldn't help but think how childish and over-designed it all looked 6 years later.

I'll probably never buy another over-priced fashion book again after I realized this happens with every fashion book I've bought in the past. Oh well, I sold it for 3 times as much as I paid for it! Suckers!

Burn Your Clothes!
It's time that we see fashion as more than just clothing. Fashion is who we are or who we want to be. Fashion is thoughtful. Fashion is many things to many people as seen in the designs shown in this book.

"Belgian Fashion Design" tracks all of today's major Belgian fashion designers, from Ann Demeulemeester to Veronique Branquinho, and some lesser known designers; from conception of an idea to the runway, or swimming pool (depending on where the designer decides to show his or her collection).

This book has hundreds of great color and b&w photos spanning the last two decades, as well as interviews with the designers giving insite to their ideas, inspirations and reasons for designing.

"Belgian Fashion Design" is a must have for any design professional, design student or anyone who thinks clothing is more than protection of the body from the elements. ... Read more

Product Description
This indispensable guide to fashion provides in more than 1,200 entries detailed information on the life and work of every important designer from 1840 to the present day. 325 illustrations, 80 in color.Amazon.com Review
From accordion pleats--"fine, narrow, regular pleating created by sewing orpressing minute DARTS into the fabric of dresses and skirts"--to theWonderbra--"see BRASSIERE"--and beyond, this dictionary is areference book for the fashion-forward crowd. In hundreds of concise andinformative entries, the universe of fashion from the mid-18th centurythrough the late 1990s is fully documented. More than 300 illustrations(many of them color) offer readers the opportunity to look at designs thatare better seen than described: designer Jeanne Lanvin's sketches, thebodystocking, Elsa Peretti's heart-shaped pendants, a 1920s permanentwave, a Fortuny dress. In all, this is a solid reference for readersinterested in the history of fashion. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Fashion vs style!
I like this dictionary it helps me a lot...i thought it was going to be a larger book like the one i saw on a t.v. show called Made, but this is a good source--thank you!

good, quick reference
A handy book when you need to know the difference between jacquard and damask, for example, though I wish there were more pictures for visual reference. Succinct definitions and coverage of major fashion and design terms. All in all, a good addition to anyone's collection of fashion reference books.

My first book about fashion
I recently became interested in fashion, and I think that this was a goodbook to start me off with.It was fairly informative, but not verydetailed.Also, there weren't many pictures of the variousdesigns/designers that were mentioned.I think this is a good book forbeginners, but perhaps not enough detail for someone with former knowledgeof the fashion world. I LOVE the Body Map illustration on page 38 (didanyone actually WEAR that?!?) ... 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
Fascinating, comprehensive reference work—lavishly illustrated—provides biographical/career data for major American, British and French designers since 1909: Theoni V. Aldredge (The Great Gatsby), Edith Head, (The Greatest Show on Earth), Orry-Kelly (An American in Paris), Irene Sharaff (Funny Girl) and many others. Updated to 1988, with over 400 new film credits. 177 illus.; invaluable index of 6,000 film titles, much more.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

An excellent guide to b&w film costume designers
This book is full of information about an astonishing selection of film costume designers.
An absolute gem of a book, i recommend it to anyone interested in costume and glamour.

Fabulous photos
This book is exactly what I had hoped for.Tons of great photos and information about the costume designers of the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Every page is packed full of images and text that really show you what all 157 of these designers were all about.Love this book.Great source for costume design inspiration.

Great photos, but.....
While the photos are beautiful, the book was rather disapointing to me. First, as one other reviewer pointed out, it is not really a history or discussion. It is a list.... a lengthy list of names, with a paragraph or two for each designer, followed by another list of their films. This list is sometimes lengthy and sometimes only 1 or 2 films. Very British in the selections, too, since the editor was British. Second, it was published quite a while ago (Originally published in 1987, corrected and updated in 1991....though what motivated them to omit major designers like Motley at that point is very unclear.) and it does not even have an epilogue to bring us closer to the present. But I should have caught that it was a Dover publication. Otherwise I would have known that it was published 'as is' or more accurately 'as it was' at that time. Fine for some things, but a disappointment here. However, the phots are super, and for the most part extremely sharp, clear images.

Very Good
This book is basically an ancyclopedia of costume designers, their films and the dates.
The author did a magnificent research being this probably the first book written on the subject but it's definitely not a book "to read" (only the preface and introduction have some very interesting and "readable" data) as the book in itself is just a succession of names, dates and movie tittles.
It's a reference book.
The pictures though are really good.

Nice book describing famous Fashion (movie) Designers up to 1988

Good book! Lots of black-n-white photos of famous movie stars wearing wonderful designer fashions!

This book was originally written in 1988,thus,the 157 famous Hollywood Fashion Designers listed in this book are all here --- from the very beginning of Hollywood's Fashion movie Era , and then all the way up to 1988.

(NOTE: The reason the copyright on this book is 1991, is because the author added an information page in 1991. However, this book was really written in the 1980's).

Anyhow, this book lists all the Academy Award Fashion winners and also all British Award Fashion winners (in regards to Hollywood FASHIONS), from the late 1800's up until 1988!
... Read more

Product Description
Who s Who in Fashion, 5th Edition, captures the energy, drama, and excitement of the
luminaries who make up the world of fashion. Alphabetical listing of profiles includes
useful design philosophies, as well as mentors and sources of inspiration. The biographies
trace the careers of many of the men and women who ve contributed to fashion. Besides
today s major figures and legendary designers of the past, there are lesser known people
and newcomers worth watching as well as a sampling of interesting nonconformists free
spirits who prefer to work off the main fashion paths. The picture would not be complete
without the style makers, those with an eye and an instinct for fashion and who interpret
it for the public; and of course, the editors, photographers, artists those who sketch and
photograph, write about fashion, and promote it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A fashion students' must have!!
Great pictures and documentation of each various designer!! The descriptions are clear! This book was a must have for a designer book assignment and this book got it done!!

it was great!
The book was exactly as described ,it was in great condition ,thank you very much.

who's who only defines a select few.........
This book is for my current designers class. It informs you about allot of mainstream designers, and a couple you may have never heard of. I was somewhat surprised that designers like Roberto Cavalli weren't discussed. and some designers had a really small section of info about them. But overall the info it does have is really interesting. ... Read more

Product Description
Discusses a variety of unusual clothing created by contemporary Japanese fash designers and influenced by the culture of Japan. ... Read more