Synopses & Reviews
In 1947, Christian Diorand#8217;s and#147;New Lookand#8221; was greeted with both shock and delight, making headlines around the world. Accompanying the exhibition opening at the Victoria and Albert Museum in September 2007, this lavish book focuses on Parisian and British couture between 1947 and 1957, the decade Dior hailed as fashionand#8217;s and#147;golden age.and#8221;
The and#147;New Lookand#8221; symbolized a new femininity. The full skirts and hourglass silhouettes were considered highly decadent, synonymous with luxury and prosperity, in marked contrast to the austerity of the WWII years. Nevertheless, the and#147;New Lookand#8221; caught the public imagination and ushered in a period of remarkable creativity. The Golden Age of Couture features stunning gowns and exquisite tailoring from Dior as well as from such designers as Balenciaga, Balmain, and Givenchy, along with evocative photographs by the likes of Richard Avedon and Cecil Beaton.
This beautifully designed book reveals the skill and craftsmanship of haute couture along with the inner workings of the exclusive design houses, and the inspiration behind some of the most famous styles of all time.
Synopsis
This unique and groundbreaking book presents dynamic and interpretive photographs of 60 years of British ballgowns and includes designs by Alexander McQueen, Bellville Sassoon, Bill Gibb, Erdem, Gareth Pugh, Stella McCartney, and Zandra Rhodes. The specially commissioned photographs by fashion photographer David Hughes are supplemented by essays exploring the ballgown as a particularly British garment, with designers, clients, and occasions unique to Britain.
Britains traditional social season of debutante parties, private balls, weddings, and charity events has long provided fashion designers with opportunities to create elaborate, tour-de-force eveningwear. In more recent years, the ballroom has been replaced by the red carpet. Though the context has changed, the ballgown remains a staple in many designers collections and continues to serve as an expression of status, protocol, and taste, while simultaneously embodying elements of drama and fantasy.
Synopsis
and#8220;Made in Italyand#8221; is an internationally recognized mark of style. From the 1940s to the present day, Italyand#8217;s fashion achievementsand#8212;haute couture design and innovative ready-to-wear, artisanal leather and fur production, high-end textiles, knitwear, and fine tailoringand#8212;are undeniable. Featuring designers and labels of the highest caliber alongside bespoke tailors and ready-to-wear menswear specialists, this book offers an unparalleled look at the inspiration, marketing, skill, and craftsmanship behind the finest Italian labels. Specially commissioned essays are paired with stunning fashion photography, archival material, and previously unseen objects from private collections to illuminate the secrets of Italyand#8217;s la bella moda.
Synopsis
Charles James (1906andndash;1978)andmdash;one of the most celebrated and sought-after couturiers of his day, and subject of a major exhibition in summer 2014 at The Metropolitan Museum of Artandmdash;won ecstatic praise for his highly innovative designs. Without formal training, he created some of the most ambitious and dramatic couture of the 20th century and became the designer of choice for powerful clients, including Marlene Dietrich, Gypsy Rose Lee, and socialites Millicent Rogers and Austine Hearst (wife of William Randolph Hearst Jr.). James was particularly famous for his nearly fanatical perfectionism and unpredictable temperament; his contracts with the ready-to-wear industry often ended in legal wrangling and contributed to both his fi nancial ruin and a reputation as a troubled genius. In this book, the first in a new series, Jamesandrsquo;s reputation is reexamined and his most stunning designs are analyzed in exacting detail, uncovering his geometric rigor and passion for materials. Featuring illustrations, new garment photography, and archival material, this is the perfect introduction to Jamesandrsquo;s stunning work.
About the Author
Claire Wilcox is Senior Curator in the VandAand#8217;s Textiles and Fashion department. She curated the highly successful exhibitions Vivienne Westwood, The Art and Craft of Gianni Versace, and Radical Fashion, and edited the accompanying books.