3 comments about Fashion at the Edge: Spectacle, Modernity, and Deathliness.

1. Caroline Evans deserves some applause for attempting to explain the dark elements of today's fashion. She acknowledges and defines this thread of darkness which weaves itself through fashion. Schizophrenic fashion, if you will. However, I disagree somewhat with her theory of explanation. I would have liked to see a spiritual argument as well. How can anyone discuss death without such a discussion? Today's media is filled with horror and violence, especially in the movies. Even some crimes mimic the sickness portrayed in the media -- that of pornography and violence. This dark element extends to mainstream movies and television, where death and darkness are themes. Many movies and books are criticized by religious groups as being against God. And of course, history if filled with war and violence. Yet the "New Look", created after World War II, was clearly a turn away from the depravities of war. So why is today different? It seems that we live in a spiritually darker world, and it's only natural that designers would be affected by this darkness. Evans also points out that designers tend to revisit the past in creating new designs. My personal opinion is that the designers are only gathering ideas from decades past, and absorbing the culture of today. As history repeats itself, in a lot of ways fashion also repeats itself. Anyways, Caroline Evans makes a good effort to analyze todays' fashion, and puts her argument on the table. It deserves a lot more discussion.



2. The photographs, stories of design history and research in this book are phenonmenal. This is a great book to inspire, shock and mesmerize. It is my most recent favorite in my costume research collection.



3. Caroline Evans has written an important book that explores the work of cutting-edge designers of the 1990s such as Martin Margiela, Hussein Chalayan, John Galliano, Alexander McQueen and Viktor & Rolf. The book's subtitle - "Spectacle, Modernity and Deathliness" - sums up the author's focus on the underside of fashion. Evans acknowledges that much of the fashion featured in this book was "economically negligible", arguing that its cultural import is of greater significance. She explores how designers of the 90s consciously or unconsciously explored the dark history of the 20th century through their work, with death, trauma, cruelty, and horror as recurring themes.

   Where is this all leading? The conclusions are doom-laden but fascinating. British designers, with their focus on "gothic fashion", may represent the ghost or shadow of rational American designers. Creatively, Evans posits a bleak future for fashion "doomed to ricochet between modernist experimentation and dark despair." In a memorable line, Evans writes: "Now, more than ever, everything new and beautiful seems to arrive already haunted by its own demise." The financial insecurity of many of these designers in their early days may have fuelled their creativity. They were, as designer and teacher Fabio Piras put it, "fashion desperadoes". This book is full of illuminating insights that put fashion design at the core of our culture, expressing our deepest concerns.

   Outstandingly researched, beautifully illustrated, and thrillingly authoritative, Fashion at the Edge may prove to be the definitive book on the generation of designers from London and Antwerp who came to prominence in the 1990s.

1 comments about Custom Kicks.

1. The artist value of the book holds its own weight. Contains an ample supply of rich graphics and designs using footwear as the canvas. A book that should rather be found in the art section opposed to the fashion section. Not as much information on the actual hobby of custom sneakers an its imprint on the fashion and sneaker industrial world. Great array of artists, but would much prefer a mini manifesto opposed to a picture description. You will definitely find a photo that will strike your taste in footwear.

1 comments about Women's Hats, Headdresses and Hairstyles: With 453 Illustrations, Medieval to Modern (Dover Pictorial Archive Series).

1. One of the better referance books, tons of illustrations and extrememly helpful for fine details.
   I would purchase this book again.

5 comments about Fashion Babylon.

1. Fun, gossipy, entertaining and full of useful info regarding the fashion industry and behind the scenes action, that unless you are actually part of the industry, would be pretty much clueless how it all works. Really enjoyed this from a non-fashionista perspective.



2. its was ok to read, good airplane book, bit mediocre, can make u smile if u know the stereo types



3. I've been hooked on nearly all of Imogen Edwards-Jones & "Anonymous"'s books for a while now. First was Hotel & Air Babylon, but now she's starting to show that yes, she hit the nail on the head with a good thing, but she's lost it. After reading this and her most recent book, Beach Babylon, in quick succession, I found myself very disenchanted with the whole series. Beach Babylon I thought would have been ideal after coming back from a beach holiday, but she aimed too high, by setting it on an expensive island resort, which really, the book is not aimed at the kind of person who would go there.
   
   Fashion Babylon - where do I start? It's everything you already know about the fashion industry. The drugs, the stick thin models, the clothes that are "in" one month, and which you won't be seen dead in the next month. Skinny jeans seem to be sticking around for the moment, but for how long? Normally when I get into a fashion, they go out of fashion. And everything's "vintage". And then there's the celebrity name dropping. There's not a page that goes by without Kate Moss or someone else being dropped in there.
   
   Unlike Air & Hotel, which were set over 24 hours, and Beach, which was set over a week, Fashion Babylon was set over six months, and it's a very tedious six months. Imogen did well setting Air & Hotel over a period of 24 hours, as they're fast paced, and barely leave you any time to think. Fashion Babylon is set over six months because it's that amount of time that you need to get ideas for your next 'collection', to getting it onto the catwalk. Interlaced with everything you can possibly imagine, from frills to pink satin, it's confusing, and certainly not aimed at someone like me, but made out to look like it is.
   
   I have to say, as much as I like Imogen Edwards-Jones, I'm going to give her Babylon books a rest for now, and try some of her other books - which seem to be all about her fertility and babies. Funny that.



4. FASHION BABYLON: LOOKING UP THE SKIRTS OF THE WORLD'S MOST GLAMOROUS INDUSTRY questions the foundations of what is fashion and what is fashionable, from what makes a fashion trend - and changes it - to how supermodels evolve, how designers rise to fame, and who makes money. To achieve these insights, six months of a designer's life explore how a fashion concept is put together and tested, from idea into the shops and magazine covers. It's the behind-the-scenes insights of an industry and art libraries - as well as general-interest collections where fashion is of interest - must have this.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



5. this is a quite interesting book that have lost of gossip, and some time inoformation in side~ let u to know more about the market.

5 comments about Before You Put That On: 365 Daily Style Tips for Her.

1. The book arrived in a timely manner and was in great shape. I would order from this vendor again. I love the layout of the book too. Easy to read with great graphics.



2. I watched him on Oprah and she's on point again. And I have read many,
   believe me. What is so cool about Lloyd's book, is that it is easy. Almost
   like reading a style horoscope each day. I used mostly clothes that I
   already own, which was refreshing and such a savings. I love his timeless
   take on style. I highly recommend this book for real women seeking style in
   small, smart doses.



3. there's no order to the tips, most of which are not actually tips but inspirational burlbs or short interviews with fashion designers. many of the tips are not applicable or really pointless: wear a white top with a shiny skirt and knee high boots!
   
   no really? you think that might work? overall, it's condescending and aimed towards a clueless audience.



4. I think it is a very helpful book with lots of practical and fun tips for being fashion-forward. However, the way it is written (tip for a day) can be confusing if you want to catalog a particular suggestion or piece of information to refer back to at a later date.



5. I recently watched Lloyd on Oprah for the whole hour, talking about fashion tips for women. She featured his book and recommended it, and of course she was so right! I bought the book immediately. Lloyd really knows how to give great, easy-to-follow style advice for real women. His book taught me lots of things about creating my own personal style in a simple, yet informative fashion. I am definitely buying this book for my mom, sister, and all of my girl friends for the holidays!

5 comments about Sensual Crochet: Luxurious Yarns, Alluring Designs.

1. This is the best crochet book I have ever seen. Fabulous designs throughout. I want to make every item.



2. Nice book, nice sweaters. Wearable crochet but nothing very different as far as stitches go.



3. This is a very well-produced book, with designs that I think represent some of the best in crocheted garment design today. (I have not made any of the patterns, so I can't say how accurate they are, otherwise I would give it 5 stars.) The crocheted items are beautifully photographed. Stitch diagrams and schematics are included. To substitute yarns, info is given on the total required yardage, weight and composition of the yarn, and knitting gauge (usually found on the skein wrapper and in catalog descriptions of yarn). Information is given about the properties of the fibers used. The crocheter is encouraged to use fibers which feel good, look good, and will last a long time. This I think is good advice, but some of the recommended yarns are extremely expensive. For example, Lorna's Laces Angel seems to sell for about $14 a 50-yard skein. The cover sweater is made in Angel and requires 21 skeins for 28" bust ($294) and 35 for 44" bust ($490). Besides the cost, that is a heck of a lot of ends to weave in! So, the yarn substitution info is likely to come in handy.
   
   There is a range of items, from revealing strapless top to the relatively covered-up sweater featured on the cover. Many tops will require a camisole underneath, but some are quite bare and would be hard to wear a foundation garment under. There are several skirts and a dress. Most are, in my opinion, beautiful designs, but a few are pretty ordinary, like the 2 boleros, a small bag and a white scarf/belt. There is one scarf made in a very fine silk (with steel 8 hook) that I think is quite pretty. Sizes range from 28" to 50" bust for some articles. Quite a few items use fairly fine yarn and hooks from C to G, and a few use H-J hooks.
   
   Most of the designs are by Amy Swenson, and other designers include Robyn Chachula, Annie Modesitt, Debora Oese-Lloyd, Amie Hirtes, Dana Codding, and Amy O'Neill Houck.



4. I purchased this book because I own Sensual Knitting, and like most of the designs there. Sensual Crochet, on the other hand, is terrible. The only thing I would consider making from it is the sweater on the cover - everything else looks cheap and tacky to me. However, lots of other people who have reviewed this book seem to like the designs, so maybe it's just me - but I would recommend you look at the designs before you buy the book. I'm very disappointed.



5. This book offers a variety of patterns, but women who aren't model-size may have to search carefully to find appropriate garments here. The Butterfly Cardigan is a good design for all. Stitch schematics are sometimes included and I would love to see more of them in future books -- they are so much easier to follow than miles of words. The inclusion of substitute yarn info is very welcome.

No comments about Infashion: Fun! Fame! Fortune!.

No comments about Hedi Slimane: Rock Diary.

5 comments about The Tokyo Look Book: Stylish To Spectacular, Goth To Gyaru, Sidewalk To Catwalk.

1. As a total Japanophile, I really loved this book! The pictures are beautiful and its just a perfect example of why I love those Tokyo Fashionistas. Unlike North America, where we are slaves to what we think other people want to wear and try to "fit in", a lot of the young Japanese people on the streets where what they want and have no qualms about standing out and looking unique!
   
   The book shows and describes the different looks, and often which district the look is from or originated. The text is mostly narrative, but I would've preferred some more informational style text. Such as a list of what elements compose each style and/or how to recreate the look for yourself.



2. My current ringtone on my celly is a short clip of "Harajuku Girls" by Gwen Stefani - it's been on phone for over a year now. As someone who has spent a formidable amount of my life in Japan, I covet and collect anything remotely "cute" from or even inspired by Japan, ringtones included. So it's no wonder that I love this book. Published by Japan-based Kodansha International, The Tokyo Look Book (2007) is a motley collection of photographs and interviews of Japanese fashionistas and fashion designers. "Motley" is probably a huge understatement, given what Philomena Keet (the author/editor) calls the "fashion spectrum" that exists in Tokyo. The photographs of Japanese guys and gals make me smile knowing that those pictured often follow their own drum beats. Even in the most outrageous and incongruous outfits, the Japanese youth wear their clothes with confidence or paint their faces with layers of make-up without second-guessing why they do it. If anyone has ever wondered who these "Harajuku Girls" are that Gwen Stefani sings about, pick up a copy of this book. They are fantastic!



3. i love japanese street style! this book gives so many different pictures of fashionable people on the streets of tokyo. it gives a little bit of background information about the culture and background, but if you want to get a more in-depth background and information on japanese styles and and designers and shops, i recommend Style Deficit Disorder by Tiffany Godoy.



4. Since I'm an author, and my novels often feature both Asian Americans and Asians who have moved to the US from overseas, I was very interested in this book as a research tool. I was not disappointed.
   
   This book is rich with pictures showing the different fashion styles prevalent in Tokyo. For someone who only visited Tokyo a couple times with family (and who didn't meet anyone my age), this was an eye-opener.
   
   I like the fact that there are often several photos showing examples of each particular style, rather than just one photo to show each style. It helped me get a better feel for the trends of the "look" rather than just one person's ensemble.
   
   The book shows the entire breadth of styles, from conservative to garish. I liked the hair and makeup showcased on the people photographed, as well.
   
   The fact that the people were all from off the street gave the book an air of greater credibility, since they didn't arrange a photo shoot with models. I felt like I was getting a slice of Tokyo life and culture.
   
   For me, this was an excellent research tool.



5. I've never been to Japan, and I read books all the time about how people in Japan love the global luxury brands (Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Dior). But seeing the cover of this book suggested that something else is going on with young people in Tokyo.
   
   Philomena Keet focuses on Shibuya (cool youth fashion), visually avant garde styles, street-defined ensembles, high fashion in a global taste sense, and what the well-dressed man wears to work. The last two seemed somewhat like what I expected, the first three were not.
   
   Each section is a nice combination of explaining the cultural roots behind the way of dressing, focuses on some designers, describes some celebrities defined by the style, and talks about the social implications. These aspects were welcome because I wouldn't have appreciated the logic behind the various looks without that background.
   
   The book has four big weaknesses:
   
   1. The analysis of what's covered is pretty superficial.
   
   2. The photography isn't as good as you usually see in a style-oriented book. I suspect that's because these are often virtually candid shots rather than fashion shots.
   
   3. The layout of the book isn't very appealing. There is an attempt to pick up the Tokyo look style, but I didn't think it worked.
   
   4. The type faces and backgrounds make the text difficult to read.
   
   Net-net, I found the book contained more than enough of interest to keep me reading through the book. I also felt I have a better sense of the role fashion plays for younger people in Japan. To me, the biggest aha was realizing that Western-style clothing is so relatively new to Japanese culture that young people feel a greater freedom to move away from traditional style concepts . . . even when the mixtures of clothes and styles are extremely eclectic.

5 comments about Art Deco Fashion.

1. I don't like most of the clothes in stores these day so I make my own. I found this book inspirational in creating designs that flatter my "ultra-feminine" middle aged figure.



2. This is a cute little book with excellent pictures, but it left me wanting more. Many chapters are only two facing pages, and I would have liked to have seen more examples of each of the subjects.



3. I was very impressed with this publication. The illustrations were amazing. If you like art deco fashion and illustrations, then you will enjoy this book.



4. This book would have been better titled Art Deco Fashion of the 1920s. If you are interested in the entire span of art deco fashion that includes the 1930s, this isn't the book for you. Although the inside jacket says it was written to coincide with a major exhibition Art Deco 1910-1939, the 30s are all but forgotten.
   If you are looking fr a book that covers fashion of the entire period, look elsewhere.



5. Great coffee table book or as a reference for 1920's fashion. Includes sketches and actual photos from the time-period. I used it as inspiration for decorations for a 1920's theme wedding.