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 Audrey Hepburn: A Woman, the Style.

1. One of the rarest and most difficult to find of books on Audrey Hepburn also happens to be one of the very best. Published in a limited run for a series of exhibits for Salvatorre Ferragamo, beginning in Italy and reaching as far as Australia, this book is worth every bit of effort you can muster to locate it. The book offers over 200 pages of dazzling, mostly never before seen photographs. They range from studio shots to film stills to candid shots. The publication aims to present Miss Hepburn's beauty physically, but also succeeds in showing her true, inner beauty with a very intelligent, well put-together text. Aside from the usual biography and filmography are various writings by the people who knew her best. The preface by her son Sean Ferrer sets up the book quite nicely. I could get very technical with descriptions and offer a more serious critique, but I feel that it is not necessary with this book. The book is very inspired and wonderfully edited by Stefania Ricci, but its strength lies in the beautiful pictures of one of the most beautiful women in history. It's all about the pictures with this one. If you are an Audrey Hepburn fan, this is an ESSENTIAL addition to your collection. FIND IT IF YOU CAN.



2. . . a beautiful and touching tribute to Audrey Hepburn, this rare photo book was published for the 1999 exhibition at the Ferragamo Museum in Florence, Italy. This impressive book of 230 pages is packed with color & b/w photos of Hepburn - many of which have never been published before. The text is in both English & Italian and includes tributes from her son Sean Ferrer, her companion Robert Wolders, and her designer Givenchy. The book traces her career and includes a complete filmography. Thirty pages are devoted to the Ferragamo exhibit of clothing worn by Hepburn; sections include stage costumes & accessories, coats & daytime wear, cocktail & dinner dresses, evening dresses, full dresses (including the dresses designed and worn for her 2 weddings). Full color reproductions of magazine covers & movie posters are included. This publication which is produced on premium paper stock.

3 comments about The Folkwear Book of Ethnic Clothing: Easy Ways to Sew & Embellish Fabulous Garments from Around the World.

1. This is a lovely, lovely book, full of wonderful patterns and excellent information. But it's not worth over a hundred dollars unless you plan to use it on a daily basis. It's a good read and the pictures are inspiring but unless it's re-issued at a lower price I don't recommend buying it. (I do encourage the publisher to re-print, however, as I would happily have paid the original price for it.)



2. This is a beautiful book for costumers and fiber artists, packed with pictures and practical project information, but it is not without its flaws. The author does a fine job in describing the appearance and sometimes construction of modern era ethnic clothing, but this is not a history book. Many of her pictures are captioned, but very few are dated, though they all appear to be from the 20th century or perhaps the late 19th. Some of the uncaptioned pictures might be modern reproductions, but it's not clear in several cases. She makes a few comments about the evolution of fitted clothing with which I disagree. Additionally, she comments on the spiritual and talismanic nature of embellishment, which may or may not be her personal religious opinion, which I feel detracts from the presentation of the subject.

   The strong points of the book are the pictures, most of which are clear and in color, except where the original was black and white. There are short embellishment projects which teach the reader methods of decorating the garments which are detailled in the second half of the book. The six clothing projects that are included are worth the price of the book alone, provided you are willing to scale up the diagrams.

   Overall a good practical hands-on kind of book, if you take much of the commentary with a grain of salt.




3. I like this book very much. It offers a nice overview of traditional clothing found throughout many cultures, including brief discussions of common garment types (draped, sleeved shifts and tunics, gathered pants, etc), with plenty of old photographs that show how the garments were worn. I wish this part of the text also included line drawings of the garments for more clarity, such as the book, "Cut My Cote." Next is an overview of some common types of embellishment, such as resist dyeing, embroidery, and applique techniques. Some very interesting project ideas with patterns are offered, rated by skill level needed. The final section of the book offers patterns and detailed sewing instructions for garments: a kimono, a Polish vest, Tibetan panel coat, a Syrian dress and Moroccan burnoose--these will be familiar to owners of Folkwear's patterns. The book concludes with an excellent bibliography. Fiber artists, sewists, and costume makers will find plenty of useful material here. Very few books on ethnic costume provide information slanted toward duplicating and adapting techniques and garments--finally one that does! Note that you'll find this material weak if you need to do serious research on ethnic dress or are an experienced costumer or fiber artist.

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!

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.

No comments about Le Costume Medieval.

No comments about Fashion Theory Volume 12 Issue 2: The Journal of Dress, Body and Culture (Fashion Theory).

No comments about The Ann Person Method of Easy Fit (Dresses and Tops).

4 comments about Mistakes Men Make That Women Hate: 101 Style Tips for Men (Capital Lifestyles).

1. Let me start by saying that this book is somewhat funny.
   The title makes no sense. The book is written by a man and has more to do with what is professional than what is fashionable. The title should have been "Mistakes Men make that Employers hate." It is a pretty good guide if you are looking for a job and don't know how to dress yourself. Otherwise, don't waste the money.
   The only reason I even gave it 2 stars was because of the humor.



2. The advice in this book is so basic and obvious that you would have bigger problems than fashion if you actually learned something. The title is pure marketing. There is nothing in the book that targets women's opinions over other men's opinions. I'm sending it back.



3. Kenneth Karpinski's little book is a quick read and has its better moments.
   
   But his humor is sarcastic, his tips are very basic, and the project has little or nothing to do with what *women* hate. They're simply matters of good taste and self-awareness. Men don't learn well by being made fun of. We carry enough weight already.
   
   This book makes a convenient stocking stuffer and is good for a few chuckles in that way. However the Rutledge Press 'Gentlemanners' series is more helpful if you really intend to elevate your game.



4. I saw this book at a local bookstore and had to pick it up as an early Father's Day gift for my dad. Kenneth Karpinski uses humor to pass along clothing and style advice to men. The tone of the book is joking, not negative or condescending, so no one should get offended.

   This book is the perfect gift for any man in your life!

No comments about Man Appeal: Advertising, Modernism and Menswear.