5 comments about Figure Drawing for Fashion Design (Pepin Press Design Books).

1. I got this book and was not thrilled. It has some nice pictures, but they don't teach much about drawing. There is also nudity for no real reason. Some of the illustrations look more pin-up than fashion. I find most of the illustrations very short waisted.



2. This book is full of graphics and excellent information about drawing the fashion figure. I teach fashion design and illustration and I recommend this to anyone, beginner or intermediate!



3. I bought this book because I *just* wanted templates. (I know that as a designer, my strong suit is not in fashion sketching like this, never has been- but sometimes you have to.)
   
   What this book provides is more of a how to create the bodies you want based off of the 9-head model. For some, this is great- a classroom in the book. For me, who has been working in this field for a long time and I just needed to crank some bodies out without putting in (for me) an excruciating ammount of work, it fell short.
   
   Also, the proportions of the bodies are a little strange and the hand placement a bit rough. I spent more time fiddling with more natural hand positions on the templates than actually drawing the garments on them.
   
   It is a good book for those who can't attend an actual sketching course, but if you're looking for templates- good luck.



4. This book helps a lot, it open your eyes transporting in the world of fashion draw. is really nice material.



5. Though I haven't had a chance to study the book in detail yet, I skimmed through the book, & it seemed like it covered some pretty basic drawing concepts. It also included differing styles of collars, sleeves, etc., which seemed particularly helpful for those in the field.

4 comments about Tartan: Romancing the Plaid.

1. If you love plaid, this book is essential. Lovely photographs and history on the ever handsome world of plaid. Delightful coffee table book.



2. You'll be doing the Highland Fling in no time (or at least the Lowland Shim) when you read this terrific book. It's a wonderful history of the fabric and the tome is filled with interesting history and some fun, lighthearted photos - like the guard who's catching a breeze and having his kilt lifted to show . . . well, buy the book and find out. I was very surprised (nicely so) to find out it wasn't just a dry historical analogy but rather a work that examines something we see in everyday life but may not have taken the time to think about.
   Stylemaven



3. WOW -- I am an author who has written a few illustrated books like this -- and all I can say is this book is LEAGUES above the rest -- amazing photographs and layouts, beautiful paper, beautifully produced. A real labor of love. Although I know a fair amount about fashion, I did not know all that much about tartan... until now. A revealing mix of history, culture, modern tmes, with images ranging from the Duke of Windsor (how lonely -- albeit well dressed he looks...) to Rod Stewart, Princess Diana and the Bay City Rollers. As well as some of my favorite models and designers in the world.
   
   Mr. Banks and Ms. de la Chapelle have done an amazing job. This book is so well written, stunning, and beautifully produced, that it is going to be MY Christmas gift to others this year.



4. When I was introduced to this tome it woke up a fashion and hstory perspective that was a new dimension to my being, a very plesant one. This is more than a fashion book - it is hundreds of stories and dazzling images that introduces multidimensional perspection and connection to a very rich and mystical design grid and real stories as to how world famous designers were inspired by the tartan. A facinating read on many levels, rich in imagery and opening up the true mystique of tartan to the unitiated like me.

5 comments about Go Fug Yourself: The Fug Awards.

1. Did I mention it was funny? Only I wish it had more pictures of Intern George.



2. Okay, the book is kinda fun to leaf through, but so are the celebrity mags, blogs and web sites that feature countless badly dressed "stars" every week. As a blog, this stuff is timely, as a book, it's dated the day of publication. But the girls got paid,so hooray for them.



3. I love Go fug yourself, it's a bit of a guilty pleasure, and this book was fabulous. The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is that parts were a little boring and drawn out. But it is definitely worth a few giggles:)



4. This book is about the Oscar of fugly dressed famous people and the writers Heather and Jessica we all know and love for their wit and acerbic criticism of unbelievable badly dressed speople who nevertheless bask in the spotlight and damage our days, do uphold their fame. However, I did somewhat miss their usual elaborate and literary prose and their utterly comic exasperation about these fashion mishaps. That said, if you are like me a daily visitor of their website, you'll like this book.



5. This book is great! I read Heather and Jessica's blog religiously, and I couldn't wait to read this book. It's everything I thought it would be and more. If you're a fan of the site, read this book!

5 comments about It's a Wrap: Sewing Fabric Purses, Baskets, And Bowls.

1. In the 1.3 years that I've had this book, and worked on this craft, I've gotten enormous pleasure combining fabrics and colors and shaping bowls, hot pads, totes, hats and more, most of which I've given to very appreciative friends and relatives.
   
   Susan Breier makes the process easy to undertand and follow, and the bright color photos offer many jumping-off points for individual creativity! My only caveat is that it is imperative to have a heavy-duty sewing machine and thick, sharp needles to get through the layers of fabric and clothesline smoothly. I pretty much destroyed an old Singer Futura I used at the beginning - but liked the craft so much that I bought a refurbished Bernina with a stronger motor and more durable parts, and it handles these projects, over and over, like sewing through butter.
   
   I enjoy that the craft isn't very exacting, like quilting, since I'm not fond of meticulous cutting and sewing tasks. I get loads of compliments on my own pocketbooks and totes that I've created, and it's fun to explain to folks how they're made.



2. I bought this book after seeing a demo in a craft group. I am totally in love with the projects in this book. It is a very simple technique with awesome results. If you can put a machine on zigzag stitch then you can make these. Cord, wrap with cloth strips, sew. That easy. A little bit of shaping and holding at an angle can change a flat piece quickly into a bowl or bag. So fun.Takes no time at all to make small projects like coasters to small candy dishes on up to baskets and bags. Great way to use up scraps of fabric too.



3. This book shows one how to make baskets, purses, bowls and other items from wrapping or sewing cloth in spirals. It has a wide variety of techniques. It's not over the head of a beginner, yet it's varied enough that even an experienced crafter/sewer would find it enlightening. I highly recommend this book!



4. The instructions in this book are very good. I was able make two bowls in just a short time.



5. This was a great book full of great ideas and easy to follow instructions. I made several of these in various sizes and shapes and found it to be extremely simple, even on my very old, cheap sewing machine! All you need is a zigzag stitch! A great way to use up my piles and piles of scraps I have been hanging onto for just the right project!

5 comments about 99 Ways to Cut, Sew, Trim, and Tie Your T-Shirt into Something Special.

1. This is a very imaginative book with many good ideas. I don't think that t-shirt material will behave in the way the drawings describe. It would have been better to have pictures instead of drawings to get a real feel for the results. Some of the ideas are totally unwearable, too revealing or ugly, but they are all good starting points for altering other things if you like to sew. There are however enough ideas that I'm sure that some of them will turn out.



2. You won't believe what you can do with some old T-shirts, a little time, a few odds and ends and a sense of fun. Many of the designs are best for the slender young-adult because they do show some skin. However, part of the fun could be layering the revealing cutouts and strips over other fabrics, making them appropriate for every age.
   
   Team this book with 99 Ways To Cut, Sew and Deck Out Your Denim for a wardrobe that is totally one-of-a-kind.



3. Nicely illustrated, BUT you probably won't make many of these. They are primarily for long-waisted, very young, very thin women who are showing more skin than most women should. Love handles and over-hanging bellies, girls, are just so NOT sexy. Besides, is sexy all we have to say about why someone should give us a second look?



4. The designs in this book certainly are creative and unique enough to make you think twice about trashing your vintage tees - but most of these projects are terribly impractical. There are no patterns, no mention of measurements(such as what size shirt will be needed to pull off the design or what size the shirt will end up being) and the instructions are vague. The entire book is illusrated, which suggests that the shirts may not work on 'real bodies' or that the results are not appealing enough to photograph. Without the use of elastics or zippers, I have to wonder how some of these shirts stay where they are supposed to. However, my biggest warning to potential readers and crafters is this: unraveling! Despite the eco-conscious message the book gives about recycling clothing, many of these designs are not built to last. Without finishing the cut edges with hems or tape, they are bound to roll up, tear, or unravel within a few washes.



5. This book is actually pretty cool. The designs are very fashion forward and I love the illustrations. Most of the tees are easy, too. HOWEVER, if you are not thin, these are pretty much not going to work. If you are bigger, or even I'd say if you weigh more than like 130 lbs (which is STILL pretty small), I'd stick with the "Generation T" book, because these designs look more like they're for really skinny girls (No, I'm not one of those skinny bashers, it's just the truth). I haven't found one idea in the "99 Ways" book that I would actually be able to wear myself without looking gross. It was disappointing that I wasn't able to use this book at all for myself. But there are really great ideas in here if you're smaller, and I'll keep the book because I can use it to make gifts for my skinny friends. It's a good book, in my opinion to have in your repertoire (hope I spelled that right), if just for t-shirt surgery practice!

5 comments about Fashion Artist (Fashion Design Series).

1. I haven't really had a chance to play a lot with this book since I got it a month ago, but so far, I like it. There are very colorful designs, croquis', and many illustrations. It seems like it gives a lot of information in a short amount of time.



2. I'm wanting to become a fashion designer and i bought this book and i was amazed. it really teaches you how to draw fashion models (and people in general) in all different poses. it shows you so many different poses both with an actual person modeling the pose and then a block figure showing you how to draw it. after the structure is learned, it teaches you in a really easy way how to flesh it out, and then how to draw the clothes and how the clothes are supposed to look at folds and creases. if you like this book, i recommend Draw Fashion Models! by Lee Hammond, a great book that goes in depth into more poses and how you should draw the clothes and how they look when the arms are raised, when you're leaning on one hip, etc.
   
   i really recommend buying this amazing book, it's straightforward and very helpful!



3. I bought this book for my 16 yr old daughter who is an aspiring fashion designer. To get into design school & possibly qualify for a scholarship, she must prepare a portfolio. She expressed concern that her sketching skills would look amateurish so she asked for a book to help her.
   
   This book shows in picture and text detail the supplies needed to do a project & an easy format to follow. She loved it and was so excited to have a guide to help her. This book not only helps in this regard, but has several sections that gives pointers on design elements and much more pertinent information.
   
   If you or someone you know is an aspiring fashion designer, do not hesitate to get this book. It will be a valuable tool that will be put t good use.



4. This book didn't seem to help me much. Except how I should present my drawings. Yes, it is a ok book. But, Fashion sketchbook is hands down much better than this book.



5. This ended up being a great book for our teenaged friend who wants to be a designer. It was one of very few that didn't dwell on drawing nude figures...a plus when you're giving it to kids :)

5 comments about 100 Years of Fashion Illustration.

1. This book is an absolute dream come true for me. It has inspired me not only costume wise, but also decorating my new apartment. You just never know where inspiration can come from. I would not hesitate for one second to recommend this book. It's really beautifully done.



2. This is a great book for any illustrator to have, loaded thick with full color images. The illustrations are done in a wide variety of different styles, hours could be spent considering some of the images. If your interested in drawing people this is a good book to have on your shelf.



3. You might as well print out a copy of the front cover, because the contents of this book are rather disappointing.



4. I have the Vogue Illustration book, which I loved. Wasn't expecting this book to be as good. VERY pleasantly surprised. Lots of good illustrations with some real quirky ones I've never seen. Also, some more contemporary illustrators---some of which are quite good. Nice surprise!



5. I own pretty much all of the fashion illustration books out there- but this one makes for a great gift as well as reference book. The book is loaded with full color images and a lot of interesting rare drawings that I've never seen before from obscure artists. Spans a lot of years too!

5 comments about In Vogue: The Illustrated History of the World's Most Famous Fashion Magazine.

1. I ORDERED IN VOGUE FOR MY DAUGHTER AND SHE JUST LOVES THIS BOOK IT IS A GREAT BOOK FOR WOMEN AND MEN INTERESTED IN THE HISTORY OF VOGUE AND FASHION. VERY ENJOYABLE SHE SAID.



2. Thanks so much the book was perfect for my daughter's christmas present - just what she asked for and hoped it would be.



3. What attracts you to Vogue? Chances are that element is represented someplace within the pages of In Vogue.
   
   To me, the photographs are the main appeal of Vogue. Since its founding on December 17, 1892, Vogue has attempted to capture current and future fashion through its images. The magazine has been blessed by talented work done by most of the world's best fashion photographers since then who brought us the most interesting society women, celebrities, cultural icons, and, of course, fashion models. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the book contained at least a few works by each of the greatest photographers to appear in Vogue. Most of the images were known to me, but a number were new. My main disappointment was that the photographers I like the most didn't have more photographs in the book. But the book is very bulky and heavy as it is.
   
   To my interest in the photographs came many essays about why the photographers were selected and what the editors asked them to accomplish. The interaction of the art directors and the photographers was particularly noteworthy in regard to covers.
   
   I have also spent many years as a management consultant in the magazine industry. I was pleasantly surprised to find that there's a pretty complete overview of the management thinking and decisions that led to Vogue becoming so successful.
   
   But the most interesting surprise came in the extended views into the editorial philosophies and working styles of the magazine's editors. Creating a fashion magazine is very demanding, and Vogue has been fortunate in its editors both for their energy and their vision for the reader.
   
   If neither business nor editing interest you, you'll still find lots of marvelous images to help you trace the development of fashion and style in the United States over the last 100 plus years.
   
   Here are a few of my favorite photographs in the book:
   
   Helen Lee Worthing by Baron Adolphe de Meyer, September 1, 1920 (p. 61)
   
   White by Edward Steichen, January 1, 1936 (p. 67)
   
   Mademoiselle Koopman by George Hoyningen-Huene, September 15, 1933 (p. 69)
   
   Mary Taylor by Cecil Beaton, May 15, 1935 (p. 73)
   
   Lisa Fonssagrives by Horst P. Horst, August 1, 1938 (p. 76)
   
   Decor by Horst P. Horst, March 15, 1938 (p. 77)
   
   Corset by Horst P. Horst, September 15, 1939 (p. 78)
   
   Coco Chanel by Horst P. Horst, February 15, 1954 (p. 79)
   
   Cover by Horst P. Horst, September 15, 1940 (p. 89)
   
   Loretta Young by John Rawlings (p. 111)
   
   Twelve Beauties by Irving Penn, 1947 (pp. 116-117)
   
   Cover by Horst P. Horst, May 15, 1941 (p. 131)
   
   Cafe Society by Cecil Beaton, 1948 (pp. 136-137)
   
   Concentration Camp by Lee Miller, June 1945 (p. 143)
   
   Jean Pachett by Irving Penn, February 15, 1949 (p. 144)
   
   Atelier of Pablo Picasso, November 1, 1956 (pp. 156-157)
   
   Twiggy by Richard Avedon, July 1967 cover (p. 172)
   
   Marisa Berenson by Berry Berenson, 1969 (p. 179)
   
   Marisa Berenson by Irving Penn, April 1970 (pp. 186-187)
   
   Lauren Hutton by Richard Avedon, January 1, 1969 (pp. 198-199)
   
   Celebrity covers, 1965-1971 (p. 202)
   
   Cheryl Tiegs and Rene Russo by Helmut Newton, 1974 (p. 215)
   
   Cybill Shepherd by Helmut Newton, 1973 cover, (p. 216)
   
   Kim Basinger by Irving Penn, September 1978 (p. 217)
   
   Beverly Johnson by Albert Watson, October 1977 (pp. 218-219)
   
   Charlotte Rampling by Helmut Newton, 1974 (p. 221)
   
   Eveningwear by Arthur Elgort, 1978 (p. 222-223)
   
   Lisa Taylor by Arthur Elgort, October 1976 (pp. 228-229)
   
   The Right Moment by Arthur Elgort (p. 230)
   
   Lisa Taylor by Helmut Newton, May 1975 (p. 233)
   
   Winnie by Helmut Newton, 1976 (p. 234)
   
   Daryl Hannah by Helmut Newton, 1984 (p. 235)
   
   Bathhouse by Deborah Turbeville, May 1975 (pp. 236-237)
   
   Satin and Leather by Peter Lindbergh, September 1991 (pp. 252-253)
   
   Color and Opulence by Peter Lindbergh, October 1997 (pp. 254-255)
   
   Tribute by Annie Leibovitz, November 1999 Cover (pp. 272-273)
   
   Linda Evangelista by Steven Meisel, September 2001 (p. 274)
   
   Shape by Annie Leibovitz and Patrick Demarchelier, April 2002 (p. 278)
   
   Lisa Cant by Irving Penn, September 2005 (p. 283)
   
   Cindy Crawford by Helmut Newton, December 1991 (p. 287)
   
   Haute Couture by Irving Penn, December 1995 (p. 292-293)
   
   Epic Proportions by Irving Penn, April 2004 (p. 297)
   
   Swimsuits by Mario Testino, May 2000 (pp. 298-299)
   
   Portrait of a Lady by Steven Meisel, March 1995 (p. 307)
   
   Mad About You by Steven Meisel, October 2003 (p. 313)
   
   Naomi Campbell by Herb Ritts, May 1996 (pp. 314-315)
   
   Barbarian Chic by Arthur Elgort (p. 325)
   
   Near Bora Bora by Patrick Demarchelier, December 2004 (p. 330)
   
   Golden Girl by Annie Leibovitz, April 2006 (pp. 345-346)
   
   Condoleeza Rice by Annie Leibovitz, December 2001 (pp. 358-359)
   
   Kate Moss by Irving Penn, September 1996 (pp. 368-369)
   
   Hillary Clinton by Annie Leibovitz, December 1998 (p. 372)
   
   Nicole Kidman by various photographers, September 2003 (pp. 378-379)
   
   Models and Supermodels by Steven Meisel, September 2004 (pp. 380-381)
   
   Ben Stiller and Stella Tennant by Annie Leibovitz, October 2001 (pp. 388-389)
   
   Mario Testino, April 2006 (pp. 392-393)
   
   Take a close look!



4. I liked the information and photos about the early Vogue, and wish there was more of it. I was not so interested in the later stuff, as it seemed overly self-important. Instead of presenting fashion, the current Vogue seems to commision special clothes for its photo shoots. What's the point if you can't buy that? Plus the photos don't even show what the clothes look like. I have better books on fashion, but this really was about the history of the magazine, and as such it succeeds. I just don't happen to like the magazine as it never shows anything I'd want to wear.



5. Ten gets you one that when you ask someone to name a fashion magazine, the first answer you get will be, "Vogue". That's how much of an institution the magazine has become. While "Elle" and "Women's Wear Daily" might dispute the contention, "Vogue" seems to have become the periodical of record for worldwide haute couture. As such, as the authors note in their introduction, a basic history is past due. With a great deal of help from the Vogue staff itself - Anna Wintour, the magazine's longtime editor (and so prominent a figure in her own right that Meryl Streep's spoof of her in last year's movie "The Devil Wears Prada" was instantly recognizable), is prominent in the list of contributors - Angeletti and Oliva, magazine historians both, have assembled an informative text and a gorgeous array of imagery which effectively covers the century-plus history of Vogue, from the cover of the very first magazine to the latest photos of Nicole Kidman. The book is certainly a highly display-worthy item, as another reviewer has suggested, but more than that, it's meant to be leafed through and read. You can find it brand-new at a wide variety of prices, but even if all the Amazon Marketplace sellers were somehow sold out of their copies, it'd still be worth the list price!

1 comments about Childhood Treasures: Quilts by and for Children.

1. This book showcases a collection of quilts made for and by children for doll beds. Some of them are quite old, whereas others are fairly recent. The photos are well done and the book's layout is easy to read.
   
   I picked this one up on a whim, and while I enjoyed this book, I don't see it having much re-read value for me. I was hoping for some ideas for projects I would want to make in the future, and while it was interesting I wasn't inspired to duplicate any of the children's work.
   
   I'm giving this book 3 stars, mostly because, while interesting, it didn't leave a lasting impression.

2 comments about Fashion Illustration by Fashion Designers.

1. This is a useful text for entry level fashion students in that it shows a variety of illustration styles used by independent and established designers and acknowledges the differnt role illustration plays in developing garment concepts.
   The introduction, illustration notes, quotes and illustrations clearly demonstrate diversity in design methodologies across a variety of garment categories and emphasize the 'personal' aproach taken by individuals in initiating the design process.
   From an instructional point of view, I would like to have seen more 'developmental' drawings (if they exist)from the designers who indicate the initial concept illustration diverges from the resolved garment design and possibly a comparison with illustrations created for promotional purposes.
   Evidence of designers 'hand-writing' in the form of concept drawings is difficult to locate and Borelli's effort to document such examples is commendable.



2. An exciting collection of drawings, paintings and illustrations created by international fashion designers showing (once and for all) the tremendous variety of drawing styles one can use to communicate ideas for clothing and accessories design. From the classically trained drawing skills to the uniquely stylized,personal work to a few using the computer.Most of the work looks hand drawn with energy and passion. A welcome change from the many books showcasing cold, high-tech-HACK work with no individuality.
   This is not a How-to-draw-fashion book (and thank god!) for there are far too many of those HACK-books: dreadfully boring, mediocre, unstylish and uninspiring books that never seems to be in touch with ANY kind fashion. This is the kind of book that really inspires a fashion professional or student.
   The cover seems a very odd choice considering all the knock-out art inside. Alot of people have mentioned they would never be attracted to open the book based on the cover.