5 comments about Melvin Sokolsky: Seeing Fashion.

1. I have seen those groovy bubble pictures before, but never realized who the genius was that took them! Mr. Sokolsky's range was unbelieveable in it's scope and visual surprise. Twiggy, Verushka, Jean Shrimpton, are just a few of the fashion goddesses that he photographed. The women he photographed were literally flying either in rooms or outside, wearing the latest fashions, or were photographed in such a close-up heartbreaking way, that you felt as though you could touch them. If you love the 60's and early 70's like I do run , DON'T walk to get this cool treasure. You won't regret it!



2. Back when Fashion photogs shot 8x10 and retouching was done by hand. These prints are fantastic. Every shot is a work of art - unlike the fashion created today. This is Composed, settled, undefinable beauty.



3. I have been a fan of Mr. Sokolsky for quite some time. His work is always fresh and inventive. Whether the photos are 20 years old or were shot yesterday, they are timeless. He is so much more than a fashion photographer. He is the eye of an artist. He sees a world of emotion and beauty, he captures the essence of the spirit. When I look at one of his photos I am drawn into a world that only he knows. His pictures move me into a place of pure pleasure. Mr. Sokolsky's love for women and his appreciation of beauty that is real, not perfect but real beauty is what distinguishes him from any other photographer. I only hope that he will publish another book soon. I wish he would photograph me the way he did Ali Mcgraw or Mia Farrow. Such a beautiful, soft, and sensual tribute to his models. Wow! The man is truly a GENIUS!



4. I could begin by highly recommending this photography book with all the superlatives that it certainly deserves, but this still would not describe these photos adequately or do this publication true justice. For as the saying goes a picture is worth a thousand words and all the brilliant photos in this book one would need thousands upon thousands of words and even then one could never say enough about this extraordinary collection of photograph. I will say this much, rather than having called this book 'Seeing Fashion' --- 'Seeing' would have been enough and a far more appropriate title. For it is about seeing and seeing in a way (or fashion to play on words) that is unique, inventive and an utterly original in the sense that no one takes and took (because much of these photos were taken more than 30 years - a point I will return to a bit later) picture then or now quite like Sokolsky. Photos that first reveal in spite of the fact that were for the most part taken to illustrate the haute couture fashion of the day for Harper's Bazaar, that they are photographs that stand alone for their technical virtuosity but more than this they are work of great inventiveness and a truly personal sense of composition and use of space. They are unique works of art that transcend their time and in turn are timeless in their vision. A vision that still influences photographers in general and the fashion photographers of today. One need only look at today's magazine to see the repetition of his original 'flying' pictures, the use of lighting and also the physical way models pose -- before Sokolsky models simply repeated the poses that had become so common, and yes even boring, from the fashion house's runway. Sokolsky changed all that by posing them in graceful angular articulation that represented a contemporary idiom that could be called sensual cubism, that is a cubism combined with a highly charged sexual aura permeated by the psychological impact of freedoms from social and spiritual oppression and conformities which in its way anticipated the women's lib movement that followed. And again as I looked at these photographs it was difficult to realize that they were taken more than 30 years ago and were indeed taken to illustrate fashion, for these photographs,that also include many portrait of celebreties as well as unknowns and assorted photographic studies, stand on their own merit as extraordinary works of photographic genius and art.

   Also another point that I will not elaborate on, besides this publication being long overdue, some elements about this book will make it a collectors items one day.




5. I was reading last weeks New York Times Magazine Section and saw Melvin Sokolsky's series of photographs called "The Dream". I was very impressed and taken by their mystical and ethereal beauty. It wasn't until I reached the last picture that I realized that this was a fashion spread.

   After buying his book "Seeing Fashion" I saw that, despite the fact that he was primarily a fashion photographer, he was first and foremost an amazing photographer with tremendous inventiveness and great range...from portraits to still lifes to fashion. Even though these photographs were done more than thirty years ago, I see them as contemporary, but even more, they transcend the sixties to become timeless.

   What a delight to discover him for myself after all these years!

No comments about Coats! Max Mara: 55 Years of Italian Fashion.

2 comments about Runway Madness.

1. I was fascinated by Perkins' book examining the fashon industry---something that was quite foreign to me. His insightful photographic analysis of the industry and the people opened a new understanding of this activity so foreign to those of us in west Texas. His photographs conveyed the the energy, the joy and despair, anxiety and confidence that accompanies modeling. A great "inside look" by an immanently accomplished photographer.



2. The books cover caught my attention, I picked it up, looked at it and knew I had to buy it. As a photographer I found this book to be a new way of looking at the world of fashion. "Runway Madness," takes you on a journey of what happens backstage during a fashion show. This book is perfect for anyone who likes fashion and photography.

No comments about Motorcycle Jackets: A Century of Leather Design.

3 comments about Snippy World Of Michael Roberts, The.

1. unfortunately we did not get the book up today. Please check!!
   
   Best regards Ursual Geuen Mueller



2. A Modern Master
   
   I had no idea who Michael Roberts was when I came across this book, which idly adorned a naked shelf in the now historic Coliseum Bookstore. As I flipped through the book again and again and again I was awestruck by the sheer number of spectacular plates in one volume. I'd frame them all but wouldn't dare dissect this clothbound collector's dream. Mr. Roberts' artistic prowess is an inspiration--his bold colors, defined shapes that are chiseled as well as a body-builder's pecks, and imagery so striking it burns a place in your memory. Note the Pompeian mosaics--just mind-blowing.
   
   I was so moved by his artistry that I purchased 2 of his earlier works, The Jungle ABC and Mumbo Jumbo, The Creepy ABC. How wonderful to discover the talent, wit and verse contained in these treasures for new readers--what a fun way to learn!
   
   Thank you Michael Roberts for these treasures, I anxiously await your future masterpieces.



3. A beautiful book beautifully produced, laid out and printed. If you are looking at this review you know who Michael is and what you're buying, so all I can say is that you won't be disapointed, just hit your "buy now with one click!" button.

3 comments about All-American.

1. The book was OK.the book did not have that much info on him what if for say someone was doing a report on him where would they get the info from he has only that book on him it did have that much of any thing on him some stuff on him but not in detail the book was semi good for a design book but thats it



2. The book was in great condition when I received it, just as the article said. I am very happy with amazon.com and my seller. The only thing is that the book took 6 days to get to me instead of 2 as stated, but I understand that the tragedy didn't make that very easy. The book is very interesting and has a great amount of information on Tommy Hilfiger that I was looking for to do a research paper. It is interesting and very informative to read. Thanks



3. I puchased this book expecting Hilfiger's guidance in what clothes to purchase, and how to develop my wardrobe for work and social situations. What I got was a history book - history of Hilfiger and of various styles (denim, suits, shoes, shirts etc.). Though informative, I was looking for a guide and this book does not meet that goal. The book was interesting but not useful. Probably best used as a "coffee table" book.

No comments about The Coward's DIY Body Piercing Kit.

5 comments about Marcus Schenkenberg: New Rules.

1. Writing in 'Clothes Show' magazine in 1995, journalist Sylvia Patterson memorably declared: "Marcus Schenkenberg is so good-looking it is, frankly, preposterous. He's a cartoon fantasy man...his chest is a two-seater sofa!" It isn't simply that Marcus is so completely, breathtakingly beautiful - that much should be obvious to anyone who's ever seen his image in print, on film, on the Web, or even in the flesh - it's also because his inevitable success as 'the first male supermodel' prompted a renewed interest in men's clothing and hygiene at a time when the fashion industry seemed oblivious to this gaping hole in the market, and because he paved the way for an entirely new breed of celebrated male models, including Michael Bergin and the awesome Tyson Beckford, amongst others. Hence the title of this archetypal 'coffee table' book, "Marcus Schenkenberg New Rules" (1997), an uncredited collection of essays, interviews and observations from some of fashion's top-rank glitterati - Gianni Versace, Bruce Weber, Richard Avedon, et al - copyrighted by Universe Publishing, Marcus Schenkenberg himself, and Boss Models.

   Anyone expecting a pure beefcake portfolio in the manner of Marcus' eye-popping calendar work may be slightly disappointed by the majority of photos in this book, which examines the 'Marcus' phenomenon almost exclusively within the context of his achievements as a fashion model. There's a smattering of wholly gratuitous body shots, of course (including a number of magazine covers, and a full-page, full-color study of his naked torso on p. 8), but even those images which feature partial nudity are as much concerned with selling the clothes as the man who's wearing them. There isn't a lot of biographical detail in the sparse text, either: We learn that he was born Marcus Lodewijk Schenkenberg van Mierop in Sweden - there are brief valentines from his mother and older brother, along with some endearing childhood photographs - but we're only given a vague summary of his early family life, and not even a specific date of birth (4 August 1968). We're also told that he came to America to seek his fortune in 1988 and was discovered by photographer Barry King the following year whilst rollerblading in Venice Beach, California. Immediately signed to an agency, Marcus struggled for a time to secure meaningful employment until 1991, when his appearance in a Calvin Klein advertising supplement (designed and photographed by Bruce Weber) in 'Vanity Fair' made him famous overnight. And no wonder: Amongst other things, the supplement contained the justly-famous shot of Marcus (reproduced here in slightly abbreviated form on p. 49) luxuriating beneath an open shower, totally naked except for a loose pair of jeans which he's holding between his legs, barely concealing his modesty - an image so erotic and powerful, it can take even the most jaded observer completely by surprise. The rest, as they say, is history...

   And yet, much as the reader may be overwhelmed by the sheer intensity of Marcus' physical grandeur - augmented by a rigorous daily exercise regime, and cultivated by some of the world's finest photographers and stylists - the book ponders his modeling triumphs whilst revealing virtually nothing about Marcus the MAN. He describes himself as an ordinary guy in an extraordinary position, whose personal life amounts to little more than an endless round of photo-shoots and modeling assignments. And that's it, really. If there's more to Marcus than meets the eye, he isn't telling. Those who complain about our culture's tendency to define others simply by their appearance will find no reassurances here, with a subject who positively encourages us to view him at face value, a blank page on which we're allowed to write our wildest, raunchiest fantasies. In this case, it's more than enough. And while some of us still prefer his beefcake/calendar work, "New Rules" ultimately provides a useful - though somewhat shallow - overview of Marcus' life for newcomers and devotees alike.

   Favorite photos: The 'angel' pose (p. 115) taken at the Givenchy Haute Couture Alexander McQueen Show in 1997, with a near-naked Marcus framed by two enormous feathered wings which emphasize and encapsulate the transcendent nature of his physical perfection. And Barry King's 1989 snapshot of Marcus (p. 38) rollerblading on Venice Beach whilst clad in little more than tight shorts and a bandanna, drawing our attention to the strong line of his body, his long legs and heavy chest, a vision of incomparable beauty. Like all the best pin-ups, Marcus Schenkenberg is naked even when fully clothed, inviting all-too-predictable comparisons with the likes of Michelangelo's David, amongst various other exalted works of art. Which isn't too far-fetched when you think about it. I mean, just LOOK at the guy! Who could possibly resist the temptation of such voluptuous splendor?...




2. This book is a must for all fans of Marcus Schenkenberg. He is so indcredibly good looking. I love his look, his body. He is great. And all the pictures inside are great, too. I hope there will be a second one. Hopefully, soon.



3. This book is a very beautiful book of photography. It's subject does not ask for the camera's attention, He demands it. I have a book collection on all type's of photography from 1930's to 2001, "This is one of my favorite."



4. Marcus Schenkenberg is incredibly photogenic, blessed with good height, ruggedly handsome looks and a body which closely resembles a Rodin sculpture.This book should soon find its way into every man and woman's bedroom.The photos are stunning and the articles are awsome.



5. Anyone familiar with the runways of Milan, New York, Paris should be familiar with this true demiGod..... he has been everywhere and with everyone... at least in his photoshoots! Unbelievably handsome with a body ( check out that torso! ) that goes on forever, Marcus is the thing that dreams are made of. Full of photos dating back to his discovery while rollerskating in a teensy pair of pink shorts, this book will satisfy every possible hunger that relates to Marcus. Universe has done it again with this volume of breathtaking splendor! *******Sigh!

No comments about T-SHIRT DESIGN 2.

No comments about Fashionable Clothing from the Sears Catalogs: Mid-1980s.