2 comments about Do-It-Yourself Designs: Casual Chic (Do It Yourself Designs).

1. This is funner and teaches better then Klutz Papper Fashions! The only way to have fun with this kit is if you read the book and do it's step to step projects in order.This amazing kit includes:
   
   #1: A 32 page book with 9 step to step projects that let you add lots of creativity. Also, one page is full of accesory ideas!
   
   #2: 8 cool mix and match clothes stencils, 1 accesory stencil, and 3 model pose stencils.
   
   #3 Thick high-quality pages for you to jot down your designs
   
   #4 Stickers like belts, sunglasses, and jewerly to help you with your designs
   
   #5 Papers with flowers, jeans, and other patterns to add to your designs
   
   #6 Some sequins and pieces of cloth to put on your cool designs
   
   
   Later, create a cat walk for your paper doll's fashions!(It shows you how to create a cat walk in the 32 page book.) I suggest this product for ages 10 to 16.



2. This book seems like a lot of fun because it is so big and bulky, but it is not worth it. The stencils are very complicated to use for kids, not many fabrics, and not many ideas in the idea book. A good thing is that it comes with two small fragments of real fabric material. Overall, not very good at all, I would much more reccomend Paper Fashions by Klutz.

5 comments about T-Shirt Makeovers: 20 Transformations for Fabulous Fashions.

1. I purchased this book after Generation T; hoping for something more creative and challenging. I found Generation T a little too simple for my redesigning tastes. However, this turned out to be a little more than I bargained for. Just keep in mind:
   
   THIS BOOK IS NOT FOR ANYONE WHO HAS LITTLE OR NO EXPERIENCE WITH SEWING.
   
   Unlike Generation T, where 1/3 of the designs are No Sew, T Shirt Makeovers requires a substantial amount of experience, and for several designs, a sewing machine.
   
   Also, if you are a person who likes to cover themselves rather to wear anything revealing, or a person is self-conscious of how they body looks (esp. overweight) you will probably find yourself not recreating the designs in the book.
   
   If you are a senior/advanced sewer with a sense of fashion and not epidermis-shy, you will probably find this book a golden edition in your DIY library.
   
   For the newbies, I reccomend Generation T; which is as basic as you can possibly get.
   
   The designs are appealing and sexy, and the Sistahs coach you on fashion secrets, color, and body types. I, myself do not plan to create any of these designs, (with the exception of the first one) but it's been good inspiration for me, and I am satisfied with my purchase.



2. i love it. i've made several shirts for friends from this book- even put one in a fashion show!
   
   i love the texture, quality, photography, and the models of color in this book. One of my favorite and most recommended reconstruction books.
   
   Peace



3. Very disappointed with this book, designs reveal lots of flesh, will work for only the very thin.



4. EXCELLENT book! if you have a creative eye you can really create things from their templates...i see what all the hype is about!



5. I love this book, the instructions are clear and very precise. I have made almost every shirt in this book and when I wear them I always get a compliment! I would recommend this book to anyone who loves one of a kind garment and who like to dress outside the box.

5 comments about Shoes: What Every Woman Should Know.

1. It is said that a woman cannot have enough shoes or handbags. I heartily agree.
   
   This is a wonderful book that should prove of interest to almost all women and men too! Packed with informative and colorful illustrations, we are taken on a journey detailing the history of footwear from Ancient Egypt to the present day. And what an interesting journey it is.
   
   There is something for every shoe afficionado in this small but fun book. Perhaps the biggest lesson to be learned here is that if one waits long enough, any style of footwear will once again become popular and a "must have" piece of a woman's wardrobe.
   
   Which reminds me, a local shoe store is having a sale this weekend....



2. LOVE the fact that there is pop culture included. More content than most. I love the section on Sex and the City!



3. What is it about women and shoes??? Stephanie Pedersen's "Shoes: What Every Woman Should Know" is an awesome history of shoess from past to present. The photos are delicious, and I enjoyed reading about the history of shoes.
   
   One of my favorite sections in the book was "Red Shoes", which was all about the sexual power of scarlet pumps. The adage "red shoes, no knickers may or may not be true, but I ain't tellin'!
   
   If you have more than two pairs of shoes in your closet, you'll love this book!
   
   Carla
   www.CarlaLynneHall.com



4. I am enjoying Shoes: What Every Woman Should Know so much that I have decided to order a few copies for my more stylish girlfriends as a Christmas gift. The book effectively describes how a woman's image is often shaped by her own shoes. Shoes described range from sexy -- I love the chapter on the stiletto -- to elegant and graceful, such as the chapter on shoes of the silver screen in the 40s.
   
   The author, Stephanie Pedersen explains how shoes have been worn by women as a symbol of sensuality. Not only did I learn about the history of shoes from this stylish and reasonably priced book, but I learned about fashion, design and culture. Pedersen's artful descriptions coupled with the colorful images have really inspired me to consider my own shoe collection and what is says about me. After reading this book, I want to go on a little shoe shopping spree to add a few pairs to my own collection -- the book heps one to understand what shoes can say about one's image.
   
   Now that shoes from the 20s, 30s and 40s are making a comeback in modern fashion, it is even more fun and interesting to read about how those styles were influenced by the trends, attitudes, movie stars and even dances of those decades. My favorite sections are "1923: The Charleston," "1939: Red Shoes," from the chapter "The Jazz Years." Also, "Shoes of the Silver Screen" from the Chapter on the Hollywood Years, and the section on Sex and the City from the Chapter, "The Designer Years."
   
   The first chapter of the book is excellent, and fills you in on the fascinating history of shoes, with interesting bits of information such as the cultural attitudes in Asia and fashion trends in the late Middle ages, when Florence was the fashion capital of the world.
   
   This is a book you will read again and again, and want to keep handy to refer to often to inspire you to consider shoes as a part of your own style, and certainly to show to all your friends. You will learn something about yourself from this book because it helps you to understand what your shoes say about you! Whatever image you want to convey from sexy to confident, graceful to elegant - this book will help you understand which shoe styles could help you make the precise statement you want about yourself and your sense of style and originality!



5. You don't have to be Carrie Bradshaw to love this little book, beautiful and fascinating if you love shoes this book will give you lots of delightful insights into the way shoes have evolved. Lovely photographs and the writing is delicious. Make a wonderful stocking stuffer for the shoe-shopper in your life.

4 comments about Fashion: From Concept to Consumer (9th Edition).

1. I used this textbook in a college course called Survey of the Fashion Industry. The text covers all aspects of merchandising, with a strong focus on fashion design (entire chapters on textiles, etc). Good photos and lots of material!



2. Quality book. Received in a timely manner.



3. Plain and simple this is the best fashion book to study!



4. "From Concept to Consumer" is the first book I recommend to people who are truly interested in the business of fashion. Even though the book is a textbook it is an easy and fast read. One of the best features of this book is the sequential order format. The author takes you step by step through the development of the fashion process BEFORE a single garment is made by briefly describing fashion forcasting, research, color, fabric and trend analysis. The next process explains how raw materials for fabrics are chosen, processed and produced into textiles. Learn about the marketing of these textiles on the international market and to major apparel manufacturers. All of this takes place before the designer even starts to design a collection! Take a look inside the channels of garment distribution and on to us the consumer. This book provides a realistic insiders view in to the industry which is often glamorized by high profile designers and media spokespeople. Folks the business of fashion is a solid industry just like any other and in my opinion even more interesting than all the fluff and the sizzle.

5 comments about Designs by Erte: Fashion Drawings and Illustrations from Harper's Bazar.

1. This book shows why ERTE` was so admired and so popular during the 1920's-1930's and beyond.
   
   I have always wanted to see ERTE's drawings from Harper`s because those drawings are what ERTE` was (and is) known for. Well, this large paperback book introduces the reader to some of the exciting and cretive designs that ERTE` created and printed in HARPER'S BAZAAR during the 1920's and 1930's.
   
   "WOW", is the word I have to apply to the Harper's drawings created by ERTE`!! His designs were ABSOLUTELY ahead of their time! His designs were completely amazing and creative! Erte's drawings showed the type of clothes worn by famous Hollywood actresses during the 1920-1930's!! (I can visualize Joan Crawford wearing a fabulous Erte` design!)
   
   There are a few colored HARPER`S magazine cover reproductions in the middle of this book, but the black and white line drawings that ERTE` inculded in the HARPER's magazines are what draws the reader to this book.



2. This book is great. Erte was a genius. I love looking through this book and only wish I could sew some of the fashions.



3. As a designer of embroidery designs, this one was a winner for me. I love all of the publicatins from Dover!



4. Great graphics, imaginative design, fabulous period reference. Outstanding in every way!



5. Vogue editor Diana Vreeland once said that no one in the 20th century had a greater influence on fashion than Erte, this desite the fact that he worked for a competitor, Harper's Bazaar. That's an indication of just how revolutionary his work was for the times. Working with virtually no direction to blunt his creativity, Erte published paintings and sketches of ingenious fashions that are as playful and lighthearted as they are luxurious and exquisite. He envisioned modern women (from 1915 to 1926) as goddesses, ultra-chic stars, children of nature, and totally feminine creatures to be adored and exalted. His fashions reflect this, individualistic and charming, colorful and startlingly functional. The 8 color covers and many B/W illustrations show insight into a dimension of fashion that one normally sees only on the show runways: the never-ending well of creativity brought to life by a truly inventive mind unhampered with concerns of marketability. Peruse the illustrations and notice allusions to gardens, paper-weaving, architecture, tennis, various members of the animal kingdom, ceremonial draperies, sailing ships, and flames. Dresses, coats, masks, swimming costumes, sleepwear, and gowns all ornamented with beads, fur trim, sheer draperies, corded lacings, silver embroidery, leather and straw. Practical? Not really. Mass manufacturing? Not in a million years. This is extreme fashion, the stuff of couture, such as would be worn to the salon of writers and intellectuals. Erte loved best to design for the stage, and the drama and fantasy of theater is in evidence in each ornate illustration. Although for 3 years he produced designs for Altman and Bendel in NY, most of his work was strictly conceptual, and many readers of Harper's saved covers and sketches to muse over as they would an art history volume, as evidence of another world. Ignoring fashion trends, Erte generated innovative and outre designs that still amaze and delight those of us who appreciate true originality. I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in textile or fashion design, but also to graphic designers, sculptors, and those who really enjoy art for its own sake. This book is, in one word: luscious.

5 comments about Patterns for Theatrical Costumes: Garments, Trims, and Accessories from Ancient Egypt to 1915.

1. This is a good basic costume pattern book. Easy to use and patterns are easily redrafted and understood. Good historical references. I recently used it for Ancient Greek costumes (easy), as well as Medieval (good ideas). I know that I will be reaching for this book over and over again whenever I need to costume a historical play.



2. A book for someone who is wanting to begin exploring theatrical costume design or production.



3. I found this book around 25 years ago. At that time it didn't have any explinations, only the designs and some general info in the front. I do pre 1660 re-enactment and still use and teach from my well worn copy. I put it in a notebook and lend out sheets to explain how pieces go together. It isn't totally accurate, but it is a starting place for new costumers. It is easier to explain changes to make it accurate from there.



4. I am a costume designer and have had this book for many years. I
   recently purchased a copy for one of my student workers who has
   gone on to pursue a degree in costume design. It is a great book
   for fashion history overview. It is full of basic period patterns
   that are simple to draft and then use your own details.
   It accessible to beginners but a wonderful resource for professionals
   as well.



5. I bought this hot off the press 22 years ago, and wouldn't be without it. This dog-eared book has been borrowed many times! I copy pages, draft patterns. Now, I'm going to get a copy for my son's drama teacher. It is a wonderful, basic reference, with enough patterns to get started. Really valuable for getting an idea of historical silhouette. I can't wait to see what changes have been made from my edition!

5 comments about Alek: From Sudanese Refugee to International Supermodel.

1. I bought this book for my mom and she loves it! She is from Panama and has a dark skin complexion. She saw a lot of herself in Alek esepcially in her stories about familiy life. It's amazing how things stay the same even though years have passed, technology improved and continents separate you.



2. I'm not a fan of reading. I really only picked up Alek Wek's book because she came to a book singing at my school, Howard University. She impressed me as a down to earth, humble, kindly demeanored woman. She personally autographed it and took a picture with me. I sat the book down for several months, but, when I did pick it up over the Christmas break it gripped me. It is both entertaining and informing. She speaks about her life as child growing up in war torn Sudan, and the atrocities which occurred there, her move to New York and London, her subsequent conquering the fashion industry, and her eventual return to her birthplace. Throughout the book I literally laughed at times, and was on the verge of tears at others. It not a difficult read. It's simply a really good read. Pick it up!



3. Alek Wek shared a story with me, through this book, that helped me to appreciate the mind of child growing up in poverty, in a family, in a culture, in a world of others who are not alike. Alek's story helped me to make connections to the old ways of my mother's mother and my mother and the very old ways that perhaps originated back in Africa; ways that were somewhat preserved from modern "civilized" ways. Alek's story helped me to appreciate the story I am leaving and hope to leave with my own children. Alek's words encourage me to be careful with my own (to say that Alek is "well-spoken" would be an understatement. As an aspiring author, myself, I would say about Alek's writing: it would seem she truly appreciates the gift of language and the power of thought behind it). Alek's book is appropriately titled in my opinion, she is not the girl of an impoverished African village or primitive tribe, she is not the rags to riches to story. She is Alek, a unique life force that has been affected and infected by the life around her.
   This was a special treat for me for many reasons but mainly because it reinforced my hope that our kids are listening; not only to our words but to their environment. It was again a special treat for me...to be infected with the spirit of Africa, to feel the power of her words and her love for herself...who she truly is.



4. this book is amazing, touching, i cried my eyes out. its very inspiring and motivational. it made my everyday problems seems so little compared to what she went through. i will definitely recommend this book to everyone.



5. I think the book was excellent. I would have like to have read about how she met Riccardo though.

No comments about Sweater Surgery: How to Make New Things with Old Sweaters (Domestic Arts for Crafty Girls).

5 comments about Blahnik by Boman: Shoes, Photographs, Conversation.

1. My wife absolutely loved this!!!!! This has earned me so many points!! LOL Thank you.



2. I just happened to be in Selfridges/London last year, coinciding with Eric Boman and Manolo Blahnik's book launch. There were queues and queues of eager fans lining up to get their newly purchased books autographed by the fashionable duo. It was all very civilised, even though security guards were holding back the frenzied mob, while Boman and Blahnik relentlessly signed with tireless good humour and charm.
   
   Blahnik has been the ultimate cobbler to the stars since the Seventies, and Boman is a veteran, top photographer who's been photographing beautiful women for years (his most recent book, "Dames" show-cases his portrait-photogaphy). It's fortunate for Manolo that Eric came up with the novel idea of photographing his old friend's shoes. It was also conducive for the book that he supplied the witty 'photographic conversation,' for although Manolo's shoes are the most exquisite in the world, a book would have been pretty one dimensional with pedestrian sole snap-shots of his pumps without Eric's creative input.
   
   Boman has not only managed to produce imaginative photographs of the beautiful shoes, but has elevated Manolo's footwear to museum status. Thanks to his original and highly imaginative photographic compositions, the elegant pumps have been transformed into classical portraits.
   
   Boman and Blahnik's old friend Paloma Picasso has supplied the foreword, helping make this beautifully produced book a must have gift, especially for people with tasteful shoe fetishes and aficionados of superior glossy art books, the kind which are too exquisite to grace coffee tables.



3. The genius design combined with amazing photography and styling make for a journey of beauty.A must have for the collector of fashion and photgraphy books.



4. I am a photographer and also a high heels collector. There is a project in my mind since one year ago, I want to creat a book to present the art of high heel design, just like this book. I have many ideals. However when I saw this book, I think I need new ideals, or my friend will think that my work is just a copy.
   I will rate 4 to 4.5 stars to this book.



5. like shoes? photos of shoes? buy this book!

No comments about Visionaire No. 55: Surprise.