No comments about Badge/Button/Pin: Limited Edition Packaged with Six Free Badges.

3 comments about Comme Des Garcons (Universe of Fashion).

1. It has often been said that Rei Kawakubo and Comme des Garcons have straddled the fine line between fashion and art since Rei started Comme des Garcons in Tokyo in 1969 (it became a company in 1973 and debuted in Paris in 1981).
   
   This book, while not containing much in the way of text, serves as a wonderful companion piece to the fashion of Comme des Garcons. Particularly Cindy Sherman's works incorporating the clothes from the 1990s. It demonstrates that CdG is not just concerned with the clothes but the whole creative picture including advertising and invitations.
   
   The essay is also well informed and insighful.
   
   Great stuff.



2. One can only assume that the author of this book felt that (s)he also had the genius touch and creativity of Comme des Garcons' Rei Kawakubo. Unfortunately this is not the case. The essay is pointless, dull, and without enlightenment. The photographs--reprints of Comme des Garcons publicity materials--do not describe, critique, or illuminate the fashion or design work done by Kawakubo or Comme des Garcons, a dubious artsy pose instigated by Kawakubo herself. Only Grace Mirabella's foreward and the one-page company history at the end offer anything of interest to those fascinated by Kawakubo's amazing and uniquely original designs. What a waste.



3. I was so excited when I saw a book had been published about Comme des Garcons and I was so disappointed when I got it in my hands. The book is full of very "arty" photographs of the designs but so arty that one can not even really see the clothes!

   I have almost every book in the Universe of Fashion series and they are all superior in every way to this one - I was really sad about this as I LOVE Japanese design...therefore I still have to give it at least 3 stars.

No comments about Annie's Favorite Designer Fashions.

2 comments about The Art of the Aloha Shirt.

1. If you were ever even slightly curious about Aloha shirts then this is the book for you! Well illustrated and written it makes a fun read. The Art of the Aloha Shirt includes not just examples of many of the patterns commonly seen in these shirts but also photos of the shirts as worn in the 1930s, 1940s and beyond. Great pics of some of the more common labels and some of the advertising associated with these shirts.
   
   There are bigger books on this subject but this is a good start for anyone interested in this subject.



2. Okay, I have a weakness for Hawaiian shirts. This is a great book about the history and making of this staple of American men's wear. The aloha shirt make cycle in and out of current style but never completely out of style. If you own more than five then perhaps you should invest in this book. If you own more than twenty then you most likely have this book. This will give you a clear understanding of what to look for in garage sales and thrift stores but please do not get on the collecting kick. These shirts are meant to be worn.

No comments about Costume Reference 1: Roman Britain and the Middle Ages.

No comments about Metallic Textile Designs (Schiffer Book for Designers).

3 comments about How To Draw Manga Volume 14: Colorful Costumes (How to Draw Manga).

1. I found this book to be most helpful. The girls are draw realy style, almost like they've been photographed and traced. They have realistic proprotions and look natural. The uniforms are very detailed, with key elements highlighted. There are also segments on shoes, ties, blouse styles and what not that are not part of a particular uniform so you can make your own. I still flip through this one when fishing for random ideas, and something usually pops up.



2. This book is full of color pictures of uniforms (maid, restuarant, cat costume, female business dresses, and some "sexy" costumes.
   The book shows the uniforms in simulated 3d both on a sample character and clothes only (no sample character in them). It will help you get a feel for the coloring and the details, but it doesn't have any steps for drawing the uniforms pretty much all you see is the final step. So if you want to see finished drawings of a good cross section of female uniforms and some costumes, then this is the book you want.



3. I suspect most aspiring American manga artists are attracted to the medium in part because of the fanciful, out-of-the ordinary costumes that many manga characters wear in fantasy, otherworldly or futuristic environments. But the setting in a good number of manga stories--even those featuring super-powered protagonsists--live in the "real world." It's often a greater challenge for a would-be manga artist to create a contemporary wardrobe for main, supporting, and background characters, than is the task of devising a "cool" costume. And what about service uniforms for restaurant workers, candy-stripers, and the like. Details for such outfits can't be faked or improvised!

   "Colorful Costumes" is a wonderful intoduction to the world of service uniforms. In his illustrations, Mr. Ozawa has reproduced the uniforms worn by employees of over a dozen actual restaurants in Japan (of course they were accurate as of the time of the publication of the original Japanese edition of this volume). Ozawa also includes clothing worn in ethnic-themed eateries, roadside snack-stands, and hospitials. He includes a detailed description of each outfit.

   All illustrations are in color (hence the higher price), and the models are primarily female, drawn in a near-realistic style. The drawings clearly display the construction of each outfit. Since most of the costumes are made in a Western style, the reader should have no trouble adapting the uniforms for his or her purposes.

   You never know when you might need a waitress in a scene, so this book makes a good reference. Of course, you should also observe the many outfits worn by people of different professions in your own community.

1 comments about Hella Jongerius.

1. This is great book about Hella Jongerius. It has wonderful photography of many of her designs. I highly recommend it!

3 comments about Opulent Era: Fashions of Worth, Doucet and Pingat.

1. Let me first say..I love this book! I have taken it out of the Library more times than I can count...I regret not getting it when I had the chance. I love fashion that predates the turn of the century and what this book contains is stunning. I would like to say more..but I would gush.. Get this book if you can.



2. This is a beautifully produced book, with wonderful color photographs of incredible gowns and excellent narratives of the designers' life stories. Well worth the price.



3. The book is a wonderful resource for Lovers of Antique clothing,and the victorain clothing buff.

2 comments about Valentino.

1. I absolutely love this. There are tons of fashion books out there, but this one really fits because it is, in and of itself, a remarkable feat of design. A book this beautiful, on a designer this important, is sure to become a collector's item.



2. This boxed set features three items. A book full of photos of Valentino's work. This book is fabulous but it could have more items featured. The next book is just photos of celebrities wearing Valentino, I wish it had text. Then there is a newspaper with photos of celebrities wearing Valentino at different social gatherings. For the amount of money this book does not live up to standards but as for appearance, it is quality. A great amount of detail went in to packaging this boxed set. This is a great conversation piece and is worth a gander.