No comments about Mirror, Mirror: A Social History of Fashion.

2 comments about Costumes By Karinska.

1. Tony Bently an auther who writes in great detail ( she also wrote the indepth Winter Season, and Susanne Farrells Biography.)
   Tony once again is very successful with this magical book. When one reads Costumes by Karinska you never want to put it down. This book is also very rich in photos. a great combination. One does not have to be a dancer to read this book.
   It is a rare treat. Buy it, you won't be dissapointed



2. If you have ever seen a ballet by George Balanchine, then you are familiar with the name Karinska. In the foreward to this magnificently produced book, the great Balanchine is quoted as saying to the Ford Foundation that what he needed most for his work was "Karinska." Truth or overstatement, it is an obvious tribute to the woman who designed the costumes for more than 75 ballets by one of the greatest artists of the twentieth century.

   The author, Toni Bentley was not only a dancer with Balanchine's New York City Ballet, she also wrote the best book on ballet I've ever read: WINTER SEASON, A DANCER'S JOURNAL.

   In COSTUMES BY KARINSKA Bentley traces Barbara Karinska's life and work in Russia and then, after becoming one of the numerous emigrees to the West, in Paris, Monte Carlo, London, Hollywood and, finally, Manhattan in 1949. Karinska worked with many other famous creative people in her long and varied career including Agnes De Mille, Jerome Robbins, Franco Zeffirelli and George Cukor to name just a few.

   This oversized book contains scores of wonderful photographs and sketches in color and in black and white including, to me, the most interesting part of the book: descriptions of how Karinska took "raw" sketches by artists such as Noguchi, Dali, Chagall, etc. and, literally, turned them into costumes.

   Bentley writes gracefully and wittily and, most importantly, she doesn't only write for dance professionals.

   Treat yourself to this relatively expensive but very much worthwhile history of costume in the last century and the personal and professional life of the woman who "dressed" so many major stars from Gypsy Rose Lee to Laurence Olivier. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

No comments about How to Tie a Tie: Choosing, Coordinating, and Knotting Your Neckwear.

4 comments about Diamonds: A Century of Spectacular Jewels.

1. Penny Proddow and Marion Fasel have done it again! "Diamonds" is a spectacular overview of some of the most famous, infamous, and downright jaw-dropping diamond jewelry ever made. Those who are interested in a gemological history may be disappointed, as Proddow and Fasel concentrate solely on mostly modern diamonds set into jewelry--but those who salivate over the treasures of luminaries from Queen Elizabeth to Elizabeth Taylor will be delighted with this book.

   Proddow and Fasel have done their homework and provide the reader with a lengthy history of the diamond and its stature in the jewelry world. From the beginning, it was considered rare, unusual and much to be treasured--and its status as such ensured that it would be used in only the most elegant, important, and imaginative jewelry. We learn of the origins of the famed Tiffany setting for diamonds. This was a prong structure which supplanted the formerly popular bezel setting by exposing the pavilion (bottom) of the stone itself, thereby allowing more interplay of light and sparkle. This seemingly simple approach ended up establishing Tiffany as one of the world's premier jewelers. We learn about the freedom jewelers felt during the Art Deco and Art Nouveau periods--the freedom to approach jewelry as art and not just dull commissioned pieces from nobility. We learn about the way Jackie Kennedy wore several diamond pins in her hair during a 1960s trip to Paris to SUGGEST the appearance of a tiara--without the royal associations of an actual tiara.

   Proddow and Fasel have done their homework in providing splendid photographs of both well-known and rarely-seen diamond pieces. The book is particularly strong in showcasing nature-oriented jeweled pieces. Particular stand-outs include:

   - An astonishingly beautiful butterfly brooch from the 1890s, in which the butterfly's body is made of a diamond and a ruby and the winds are enormous carved and etched diamonds (p. 20), not to mention a diamond and platinum butterfly brooch in which actual butterfly wings are encased in rock crystal (p. 32);

   - An actual lion's paw seashell in which diamond tentacles climb the shell's grooves and set off the gleaming coral color (p. 87);

   - An enormous Cartier snake necklace commissioned by Mexican actress Maria Felix in 1968 and featuring over 2,400 diamonds on one side. The other side was done completely in colored enamels, making the necklace reversible (p. 112);

   - A tortoise compact made from a real tortoise shell and pavé diamond head, feet, and tail (p. 130).

   This book is an invaluable and instructive guide for anyone who loves diamond jewelry and appreciates the imaginative flights of fancy it inspires in its creators. Highly recommended!




2. The book is nice for people who would like to know a bit more on diamonds in general. If, however, you would like to have in-depth details of this fabulous gem, then there are much better quality books, like "Diamonds", second edition by Eric Bruton, or the GIA provides some nice books; Lord Ian Balfour has written an outstanding work on "Famous Diamonds". All in all, "Diamonds: a Century of Spectacular Jewels" is a nice coffeetable book, but then, if its just the pictures you like, why not buy a copy of "Magnificent Jewels" by Christie's, these sales are held twice a year, both in New York as well as in Geneva (Switzerland); and the photos (not to mention the prices - before AND after the sales!!) will take your breath away!



3. The highlight of this book, strangely enough, is the text. It explains how jewelry styles changed throughout the century in an interesting way. Unfortunately, the photographs weren't as good; they didn't accentuate the jewels very well and were sometimes slightly out of focus and grainy. In the chapter on pink diamonds, many of the photographs make the diamonds look gray. Throughout the book, diamonds described as canary yellow look like white diamonds. In general, the beauty of the gems were not captured.



4. An intelligent text and very handsome photographs. Trouble is, far too many of those photographs are in black and white whereas for the asking price, this book should be a feast of color. For the passionate diamond-lover, it's still a treat, but be ready for mounting frustration as you turn pages and increasingly wonder what these gorgeous things REALLY looked like.

2 comments about Sew Easy Designer Bags & Totes.

1. I LOVE making bags and totes and have accumlated several patterns and books. What prompted me to purchase this book was the cover tote bag. Upon receipt of the book, I immediately started acquiring all the materials to make this great-looking tote. Everything was going along swell, when I got to the handles. The list of materials does not tell you what type of plastic tubing to buy, the diameter needed or where to buy it. I went to my local hardware store and bought 1/4" clear plastic tubing. The mil (thickness) of the actual tubing was almost impossible to work with (kept wanting to curl up) and it was so tough to sew through, it put the timing of my Bernina sewing machine off so badly and I have to take it to the repair shop. NOT A HAPPY CAMPER about that! The overall instructions were not all that clear, but since I am an experienced seamstress, it was relatively easy to figure out. I have not attempted other bags yet, although they really do look great. I am hoping the cover tote was just a fluke and if I make it again, will NOT use the plastic tubing!



2. I have about a dozen books about making purses, and this is one of my favorites. It has interesting ideas and very detailed instructions. Even someone who knows nothing about sewing could probably make most of the things in this book.

5 comments about Tiara.

1. As I am a big fan of Diana Scarisbrick's "Ancestral Jewels," I was excited to see "Tiara." Although she does a masterful job giving the reader a miniature history of the tiara (especially in its different European forms), I must admit to disappointment at the layout of the book. Dozens upon dozens of photographs of women wearing their tiaras are literally about 1" square (sometimes less, sometimes ever so slightly more). There is so much white space surrounding these photographs that I have to wonder if perhaps there was a misunderstanding among author, editor, and designer.

   The latter half of the book fares better, with full-page color photographs of sumptuous tiaras. Scarisbrick shows us mourning tiaras (often constructed of iron, though just as lacy and lovely as their platinum and gold counterparts), brushed gold tiaras, and tairas which break down into sundry bracelets, necklaces, brooches, and stomachers. It's especially fun to see the different tiaras worn for the coronations of King George of England in 1937 and Queen Elizabeth of England in 1953. There is even a photo of Rose Kennedy, whose husband Joe was America's Ambassador to England in the years leading up to World War II. Mrs. Kennedy is pictured in a satin evening gown, wearing a tiara borrowed from a sympathetic English noble friend. An excerpt from her 1974 autobiography notes that when she wore the tiara to court " . . . my children were quite impressed!" One can only imagine.

   The range and artistry of the designs is really quite breathtaking. It's just too bad that more care wasn't taken to enlarge the photographs of the women wearing their tiaras, as there's so much interesting interplay of fashion and tradition there.




2. In the first 50 pages of this book and then periodically throughout its remaining pages, the photos of the women wearing these tiaras are about the size of a postage stamp, surrounded by large blank white areas. Talk about eye strain... A waste of paper and space. Later in the book some of the tiaras have their descriptions on the page opposite their photos, again, with a large area of white space surrounding the text. All this empty white space could have been used for LARGER PHOTOS. Some other descriptions for 4 consecutive tiaras are on the pages following the photos. Very unorganized, and poorly planned. It would have been SO much better to be able to see how these creations looked on people. Many of the larger photos of the tiaras are lovely, however, a number of them look like a "cut and paste job". Nice to see the jewels, however I think this book is just so-so.



3. This is a most attractive volume sumptuously illustrated and beautifully laid out. The text is considered and informative. The printing and general feel of the book is in keeping with it's noble subject and would be a first class addition to the coffee table of any true lover of beautiful things. I can only await the author's next project with baited breath.



4. Tiara's are facinating pieces of jewellery. They sit on the head like a halo and bring to life the myths of royalty, aristocracy and an apparent lifestyle of unlimited money.

   This book presents a stunning array of Tiara's with many photos that you would be hard pressed to find in any other book.

   Having said that, it is the photos which let this book down, not the text which is very interesting in it's self. Each Tiara is photographed in colour, but they appear to have been cut out from their photographed background and superimposed on the book's creme page background. This gives the Tiara's a feeling of slight unreality and flattens them out taking away their 3D reality.

   There is also a facinating array of photos of people actually wearing these Tiaras, and it would be worth buying the book for that alone, except the majority of these pictures are produced at thumbnail size or stamp and you need a magnifiying glass to see them well. A shame as it wastes amazing photo research, and does not enable me to see well photos I otherwise would have been astonished to see.

   Having said all this, if you have any interest in Tiara's or jewellery history this book is a must, but beware of it's shortcomings. An exhibition cataloge it must have been stunning to see this array "in the flesh".




5. I love the larger photos in this book but the small ones are the size of a postage stamp. They are interesting old prints and photos but it hurts my eyes to study more than a few at a time. The book is wonderful and worth the price, well researched and keeps your interest.

3 comments about Apparel Making in Fashion Design.

1. This is the book i learned patternmaking from... its a wonderful guide and teaches you how to really learn the basics of flat patternmaking but gives you the information to take your pattern skills much further! I have looked at other books for flat pattern making and this one is the best, and has detailed illustrations that are helpful as well.



2. I went back and forth on this one. Bought it to learn how to make a Flat Pattern. Half of this book is on construction of each basic pattern (blouse, skirt, pants etc) with minimal variations. Lots of large drawings, very little text. Not for the person who already knows construction techniques. If I were a beginner in sewing I would need more information on construction than this gives. But good instruction on Flat Pattern making if you want to not use half of the book....



3. If you read only one book about pattern-making, make this the one!

5 comments about Goth: Identity, Style and Subculture (Dress, Body, Culture).

1. I've read a good deal of the reviews about this book, and I think that this is one of the best academic books I've read. It does quote the occasional secondary sources I've never heard about, but the quotes are explained in layman's terms.
   
   This was probably the best resource for an essay I had to write in my English 101 class. This piece gave me lots of knowledge, lots of subcultural history that I never knew. It elegantly explained concepts about the sense of community within the gothic subculture.
   Even for a novice like me or for anyone who just wants a good read and maybe a teeny bit of history, this is the book. It's accurate; it's fun to read; and I would suggest it to anyone.
   
   Good reading!



2. Alright everyone, Patriarch here!!! Yeah so I am in an awesome mood because yours truly has read this book and has come up with an AWESOME new look that is going to portray his extreme personality. This book had a lot to teach yours truly. When I used to see people with lots of piercings and tattoos and black silly clothes I just used to laugh and laugh. But, as you know, I am always reading and learning about different people and different ways of life.
   
   I saw this book and figured this book would be funny and give me a new insight on just how sad these people are. Well, this book turned my world upside down because, as it turns out yours truly has a lot in common about these people! I have an extreme personality but nobody knows it because I wear normal clothes and have no tattoos or piercings. Well, my my friends that is going to change...or is it?
   
   As soon as I presented this idea to my friends and family they immediately shot it down. They made me feel really stupid. This is because they aren't extreme. I need to present my idea to extreme people and let them decide. So I will now explain to you my new look.
   
   1.Blue mohawk. Not that wimpy mowhawk that's become mainstream. I mean an extreme mohawk. Very thin and very long and spikey. About a foot long. The rest will be shaved to the scalp.
   
   2.Rat tail with toy babies on it. I got this idea from Johnny Slash from Square Pegs. I will grow a long rattail and stick plastic toy babies on it.
   
   3. Talking skull tattoo. You've seen people with a skull tattoo before but have you ever seen one with a talking skull tattoo? Nope. I will be the first. It will be this HUGE skull with its mouth open and a speech bubble that says something like, "How ya doin?" Something nice.
   
   4.. Multiple piercings. I will have three eyebrow rings. One of those earrings that go through the nose-bone. Two nipple rings that will have chains attached to the nose ring.
   
   5.Military vest.
   
   6.See through yellow pants.
   
   This will be my new look and before I do it I gotta get some feedback from some of my fellow Extreme personalities. So, if you like my new look click, this review was helpful. If you DON"T like my new look rate, unhelpful. And if you'd like to leave some comments to expound on your opionion then please do so! Thanks guys I hope you like my new look.



3. The first chapter may seem bland, but they are well written and very intelligent. The explaination of subculture vs. lifestyle or tribal is informative and supported quite well. Well researched and impressive book. But keep in mind this data is taken from Goths from England, not the US, so some might not be able to follow in the interveiws.



4. The book is the color black, it has "goth" in its title, and on the cover one is greeted by two goths with heavy make-up; a woman wearing black fetish wear and a man with a white face, black lipstick, see-through kinky shirt, and large hair reminiscent of Robert Smith of The Cure.
   
   But looks can be deceiving. Goth: Identity, Style, and Subculture is a scholarly book, written by an academic in a academically correct language, put together for an academic audience. It's a book that's difficult to read, filled to the brim with references and footnotes referring to earlier works in sociology, anthropology, and ethnography. In other words, anyone attempting to read all of the 198 pages while not having the required skills is in for a real challenge. However, it can be a challenge worth taking.
   
   Hodkinson, who is both a goth and an academic, has written a book where he analyses the British alternative scene known as Goth during the latter half of the 1990s. Whatever music, fashion, thoughts, ideas, life styles, and more that can be classified as parts of the "gothic subculture" are thoroughly and subjectively analyzed by him. What early bands are seen as founders of gothic music? How are you "supposed" to dress if you want to be part of it all? What clubs and social events are there to be found, and how do you walk and talk the right way once you're there? What in the world are the pros and cons of taking part of a subculture where the great majority dress in black, has a fascination with death and the darker sides of life, spend hours every day putting on make-up, dress in bizarre fetish clothing, while all the time having to endure being harassed by the "normal" people?
   
   This, and more, is dealt with by Hodkinson, but Goth is still not a "manual" of how to become gothic. It's a scholarly book, no doubt about that, even though bands such as Cure, Bauhaus, and Sisters of Mercy are mentioned and different gothic fashion is shown (in low quality black and white photographs). If one's interested in this particular subculture, or indeed happens to already be a goth, then Goth is a definite must, but one must also be aware of the fact that large parts of the books are made up of difficult texts where lots of sociological phenomena and theory are discussed. In case you've never taken a class in sociology, well, then this book might not be the right choice for you.
   
   People with more of a casual interest in the gothic way of life should try to find other, more easily understood books. Still, Goth is not a bad book, provided that you're able to understand it.



5. I see that this book was unfairly trashed by a few reviewers, and I thought I should offer a review. I once used it for a sociology project in college, as I couldn't simply plead extensive familairity with the subject and life experience without any academic sources, and to be honest I was delighted to finally see a study on the subject.
   First off, this book investigates how Goth culture works from the standpoint of sociology, and uses all its methods. If you are interested in sociology, it is an interesting book, and one that delves into some very intrigiung points about the inner workings of Goth culture. However, this meticulously researched and solidly argued book has one major flaw: it is indeed dry reading. For that reason, it is best for academic uses. If you want to know about Goth culture in general there are other books on the subject now-I'd highly recommend "Goth Chic: A Connoiseur's Guide to Dark Culture" by Gavin Baddely and perhaps also "What is Goth?" by Voltaire-but only if you can take that one with the proper grain of salt.
   Neither of those books has any color plates either, and for good reason. Color plates are quite expensive and most non coffee table books have few or none for good reason, given the realities of the publishing industry!
   I do agree with the complaint about the cover picture-I wish they had used a different picture-but you know what they say about not judging a book by its cover.It's also true that authors are often not given much say about the cover art of their books. As a further note of the scholarly nature of this book, I'll add that there are not all that many pictures in it anyway-it is mostly text. So, the bottom line: as a scholarly work it is greatly recommended, but for general reading it is rather dry.

1 comments about Uniforms of the United States Army, 1774-1889, in Full Color.

1. I bought this book a few years ago, and i would buy it today. the color plates are wonderful to look at, and the units depicted are varied. The only drawback is the lack of campaign uniforms in the latter half of the book.

5 comments about Lachapelle Land: Photographs.

1. Lachapelle is one of my favorite contemporary photographers. His use of color is outstanding. Between the excellent technical quality of his work, and the whimsical (and sometimes arousing) subject matter, there is nothing about this book that is unenjoyable! I find the fact that not one of his images was digitally created or even enhanced to be a testimony to his talent and artistic vision.



2. Not many photographers can put together the camp, kitsch, gloss and lustre that this man can. Even the gaudiest of pictures can envelope you mind's taste buds... Its beautiful, erotic and camp at its best!



3. He is so creative and each one of his works are a break from reality. LaChappelle finds beauty in the most awkward places. Each picture looks like a mini-movie.



4. I adore David LaChapelle's work! I love how he uses colors, and his interesting subjects. His photos are beautiful. Does he have a website?



5. this book is badass. its great if your looking to be amazed...(or showing little kids when they wont shut up!)uhh try it youll like it...too bad he didnt take pictures of me!