5 comments about Fashion (Taschen 25th Anniversary).

1. Purusing these two books is a delightful experience. Anyone with an appreciation for fashion and clothing created in the 17th - 20th centuries will be amazed at the care and keeping the pieces in the Kyoto Museum's collection have received. The close-up photography reveals the marvel of the handwork and creation of each design, and each piece is a wonderful representation of its era. And the price of the set was unbelievable!! All around, a wonderful find and a keeper.



2. I own the one volume book in paperback.
   In comparing the two books side by side they are nearly identical!
   But the two volume set is missing 14 pages that appear in the copy that I own! Most of the images are just close-ups of the garments, one set is a period illustration from Diderot, but some are garments completely omitted. The 20th century fashion is all complete though.
   So you have a toss up choice, larger photos or more photos. otherwise they are identical!
   
   4 out of 5 stars because of those missing pictures.



3. This set of books is absolutely stunning. I paid NZ$150 (around US$90)at a bookstore here in New Zealand and volume 1 alone is worth every penny of the sale price.
   If you're interested in historical costume, you won't regret this purchase.



4. Due to the publisher not anticipating the demand for this set of books it took me just over a year to acquire my copy. It was more than worth the wait. The photography is stunning. If you have an interest in costuming
   add this book to your collection without delay.



5. Your mailman will probably hate you for buying this but this is really one of the best resources to have and it's very inspirational! You get 2 hardcover volumes with great large photos for a really bargain price, I love it!

3 comments about Universal Beauty: The MISS UNIVERSE Guide to Beauty.

1. You'll love it! If you were in the Miss USA pageant, Miss Teen USA, Miss Universe you will love this book... Especially if you're a winner. Since it's one big celebration of these pageants or any pageant by Donald Trump complete with him giving a bragging opening ''foreward'', pictures of all the girls, them on the back giving fab reviews for it and talking all about themselves in it with only minor beauty information. Stuff everyone basically already knows- but if you want a guide with some beauty pageant contestants/winners this is it... Other than that don't expect too much.



2. This would be a really great book if you loved pageants. It's got a lot of good tips, but nothing that you haven't already heard in numerous beauty/fashion magazines. It also has lots of photos and information on pageant contestants too. If you're really into that...then go for it. But if you're looking for some real beauty "secrets," then I wouldn't bother.



3. If you want only one 'beauty bible' filled with color and insights, it should come from an authority - and UNIVERSAL BEAUTY; THE MISS UNIVERSE GUIDE TO BEAUTY doesn't get any more authoritative. Contributions come from the former Miss Universe titleholders and pair advice from beauty writer Cara Birnbaum with the experts' insights. From choosing beauty products and understanding labeling to beauty secrets that helped win the crown, UNIVERSAL BEAUTY comes packed with expertise and plenty of color photos.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch

No comments about Esther Williams Paper Dolls.

1 comments about Marimekko: Fabrics, Fashion, Architecture (Bard Graduate Centre for Studies in the Decorative Arts, Design & Culture).

1. I just saw the last weekend of this show in New York at the Bard Center and it was inspired, to say the least. The book is the next best thing to being there if you are a Marimekko fan. It is a more thorough look at the company than the older title "marimekko phenomenon". The editor of this book, Marianne Aav (also the show's curator) was responsible for the 1998 show/book from the Bard Center on Finnish Modern Design. Marimekko's brave colors, shapes, and graphics are made more powerful, in my mind, by the fact that the final result appears so simple. While I mourn the lack of this in much of today's clothing/textile design, I think that the renewed excitement about Marimekko, and design in general, indicates that this is changing. There is a lot of exciting material coming out of Scandanavia and Finland by young designers right now, but Marimekko's influence on modern design cannot be underestimated. Their vision ranged beyond textiles into architecture as well, which the book illustrates. This exhibit & accompanying book have done a fine job at giving credit where it's due.

5 comments about The Age of Paradox.

1. Handy, one of he world's foremost business philosophers, provides an important work that all leaders must read or at minimum acknowledge the concepts he espouses. As a leadership writer and instructor, Handy's work is a staple for my students. His chapters on the Sigmoid Curve and Doughnut are alone worth the price of the book.



2. The zealous analysis of the human behavior, the hidden clues conferred by the unconscious philosophy inserted in the myths, the absolute domain of the evolution of the paradigms, the constant and growing application in almost every one of our tangible and intangible systems and procedures around the knowledge 's universe, plus the prodigious imagination of Charles Handy has produced this admirable intelligent and audacious text that breaks the barriers of the conventional thinking around the well know managements issues.
   
   All the organizations are supported unconsciously by ancient and similar facts immersed in the history. Handy has rethought, confirmed and carved in relief a magnificent example of what intelligence means: to reorder and focus from different angles the essential principles that underlie beneath the complexity and the increasing competitiveness of the modern world.
   
   In this order of ideas, Handy plans and puts on the table of the leonine executive 's mind new proposals, demolishing certain behavior patterns that remain such authentic mental barriers. The paradoxes as well as the myths don' t pretend erect as perpetual life' s lessons, because this attitude would reveal precisely he rationalization of the mythical fact. Handy opposes the reality against the illusion of the reality and unmasks certain learned and absorbed models that we ten to assume as unerring. The paradoxes ' intention, in last instance is unbalance to rebalance, but you as manager is the only who can do it if you process the information and redistributes the iron laws in search of your role.
   
   Innovation is simply an intelligent transformation, and this book bets for that device.



3. It has virtually a few pages of sense that can be put into practice, and have any value.

   I may be influenced by, my privilege of having lived in England from the mid seventies thru early eighties. He particularly acknowledges the former Labor Party, Tony Benn. This "socialist" even frightened moderate laborites of its time. Another one of those he acknowlges is former Vice President Al Gore, and for Mayor of New York, Mayor Dinkins. As a resident and taxpayer of New York, I know the true David Dinkins !

   He correctly points out that Microsoft Corporation is merely "intelectual Property". I agree with him. Later on, he rambles on that ownership of Corporations and business's should be overhauled.

   We can all learn from Japan and Germany, and without Japan the US Auto Industry would still be producing thousands upon thousands of junk. However, his reasons that British and American Society should adapt the German and Japanese systems are a joke. In reality, much which was implemented in the 80's in both UK and US is now hurriedly being copied in Germany.

   His Chinese Contract is not even worth the time to comment on it !

   Other than a few pages of real practicality and common sense, this book is nothing more than left wing rambling and nonsense

   He says it is about time we paid the third world a fair price for their trees. I insist must replant trees, we must reduce the amount of paper we comsume. Culprits must not get off the hook. This,in my opinion, is essential whatever ones political beliefs. This paperback is about 320 pages. It is a pity so many trees have to be torn down and the end result is this junk




4. I read this for an MA course. Since Handy lives in Great Britain, he has a wonderfully refreshing view of leadership and political life (and how they work together). I'm so glad I read this book. It's conclusions are challenging but make sense.



5. Handy does an excellent job of defining key business and personal paradoxes. The best section was on the intellectual paradox which future managers need to know how to anticipate and deal with.

2 comments about Pervy Girls: Erotic Fashion Photography.

1. Pervy Girls more than lives up to its title. Bondage, latex, and pinup fans will find much to drool over here. Each photo is colorful, luscious and simple in its way; the beauty is in the girl, the clothing, and the setting. Kessler doesn't need to adorn her models with over-the-top makeup or anything else, because the clothes and their bodies speak for themselves. Set against colorful, textured walls, or in hallways (there's a great catwoman set where the woman is posed in a windowsill, bent over in extremely tall shoes and head-to-toe black latex. What's great is that right beforehand, there's a girl in a bra, and pulled-down jeans that reveal a tatttoeed ass, thong, and fishnets on a patio, exhibitionism at its finest.
   
   Even something as simple as a topless woman wearing only very sheer stockings, pressed up against her bare p-ssy, where you're able to see everything, are amazing. Torn purple fishnets, see-through latex, corsets, a hot shower scene; this is elegant, beautiful perversion, where the glamour of the fashions being displayed is matched only by the lustful stares of the entrancing models. I really liked how wide a range of colors, styles, and models were used, and that this book is portable. Some of the best shots do more hiding than showing, like one model wearing only knee-high lace-up black boots, with her legs spread, hand place judiciously between them, eyes closed, blonde hair tossed over one eye. Each photo tells an elegant, sexy story, and Kessler captures her models from various angles that make the most of their bodies. The occasional two girl sets are fabulous, too; especially worth checking out are pages 28-29 for the all-black-clad suspension and then red rope bondage.
   
   This will appeal to dedicated perverts and those who just like to look at pretty girls. I like that while it's kinky, it's not crazy over the top; the poses seem pretty natural, and the bondage isn't extreme, more sensual than anything else (there's one great shot of a woman tied up while wearing a kimono). This is definitely a book I'll return to again and again, to lust over the photos and get ideas for clingy outfits to covet.



2. I would probably say that it is between 3 and 4... around 3.5. Things I disliked about it:
   
   * The size. The book in my opinion is a bit too small.
   * The shoes. Almost all the shoes in the photos are, in my opinion, horrible.
   * The latex. Not even half, but still, many of the pictures on the book are basically about women dressing latex.
   
   Beyond that, the book is pretty good. I generally prefer collections with attractive but yet real women. This is not the case. These women are, with no doubt, professional models, with almost perfect bodies, but if you are interested in a book that mainly shows beautiful bodies, it may be the book for you!

No comments about Agent Provocateur Exhibitionist.

5 comments about A Dress for Diana.

1. Book arrived, via a friend in the US (not postable to Aust) and although the cover was a little scuffed, for the price, not bad. Love the book; just what I was looking for, and although I have only peeked through, I can tell it will be helpful in the research I need.
   
   A great memento of a happier time for both Diana and myself. Thanks :D



2. I was amazed to find this book, which I had never seen, on Amazon for a wonderful price.
   Filled with lovely anecdotes on all the wedding details, this book was written before the "fairy-tale marriage" was revealed to be a nightmarish sham of deciet and betrayal. If Diana was starry-eyed, so were we--and we wanted to be.
   A labor of love, "A Dress for Diana" is rich with lavish details, such as the history of the silks and laces used and where they came from, close-ups of laces, shoes, patterns, and toilles(dress samples made in muslin during the design process.)
   Did you know that the Emmanuels made a perfect miniature of Diana's dress as a gift for her, as did her shoe designer? Nor did I, until I read this book.
   "A Dress for Diana" is a singular and fascinating look at an unforgettable time in history. If you love Her Royal Highness,Diana, Princess of Wales, or if you have an interest in English history, you will want this book, for it is one to treasure. The Emanuels have authored an exquisite tribute with a unique point of view.



3. This is an excellent book for those of us who watched the royal wedding at that time--and were so fascinated with that dress--and train. Although there were unexpected problems with the dress such as how do you fit a dress with an exceptionally long train into the small royal wedding carriage?--nevertheless, the dress was one of a kind--and forever will fascinate Diana fans throughout the world.
   
   The book shares the moment-by-moment details of the making of the dress as well as some other previously unpublished photos of the dress.
   A must book for Diana fans!



4. The Book is very very good. I really like knowing how the Emanuel's came up with the idea for Diana's dress.



5. A great book to own and a great keepsake for all times. I remember the wedding well and all the glory and pagentry surrounding that beautiful July day. Never again will a dress be made and worn with so much style and all the unselfish love and care that went into making this beautiful masterpiece for all the world to see. But not for Diana herself could this particular gown or memorable event have gotten off the ground and into the pages of history. Diana picked the best- the Emanuels to make her this beautiful creation and Diana's own beauty to capture the creation and magic of the most recorded wedding day ever. Pat C, New York

3 comments about Blueprints of Fashion: Home Sewing Patterns of the 1950s (Schiffer Book for Collectors and Designers,).

1. What a magic book! From the history of commercial patterns to the fantastic quality of the colour photography, the original pattern envelopes just came alive.The wonderful glossy paper quality of the book just enhanced it all.



2. This is a *wonderful* reference for anyone interested in vintage fashion or vintage patterns. Wade Laboissonniere tells the history with page upon page of breathtaking photographs of patterns from the past. Each page truly is more delightful than the last. I will be ordering Blueprints of Fashion: Home Sewing Patterns of the 1940s immediately and can only hope that Mr. Laboissonniere is working on the 1960s and 1970s.



3. This book begins with an interesting overview of the beginnings of the home-sewing pattern industry, and has many interesting tidbits on that alone. But the real treat is page upon page of reproductions of the fronts of pattern envelopes from the fifties, most in color, and all beautiful. Hundreds of ideas for clothing for today.

2 comments about Exit to Tomorrow: History of the Future, World's Fair Architecture, Design, Fashion 1933-2005.

1. I liked looking at the pictures, but I missed having more text. The text is only intros to each fair, and to be honest, what's there is bland, contradictory (more than one fair is credited with introducing television. for example) and there was even one page reprinted out of sync. Still, the pictures are mostly new to me on some of the less well-written-up expos. So, good for filling a collection, not a starting point.



2. An interesting though none too vigorous survey of thirteen world fairs and expositions. It really covers twelve in any detail because the 1942 Rome effort didn't get much passed the planning stage. Udo Kultermann provides a twenty page fairs overview describing the inspired origins of the 1851 Crystal Palace and 1889 Paris Fair which set the standard for future endeavors (incidentally, in my copy page twenty-one repeats three paragraphs from page nine).
   
   Two Fairs, Chicago (1933/4) and New York (1939/40) probably deserve the extensive coverage they get in the book. Both occurred at trying times and projected a bright future courtesy of science and both had huge attendances. After the Second World War fairs gradually changed from mechanical and science oriented to the problems and suggested solutions facing man in the modern world. Whatever the theme any fair allowed designers and architects to indulge in fantasy for a few months before the structures were torn down. Fortunately there are still standing reminders of these past futures: the Atomium, Brussels (1958) the Seattle (1962) Space Needle, the Unisphere from New York (1964) or Moshe Sadie's Habitat from Montreal Expo (1967) for example.
   
   The book's sub-title: World's Fairs Architecture, Design, Fashion 1933--2005 is basically covered pictorially with two hundred photos or more. I thought this had an inherent editorial weakness because they are all PR shots and unfortunately the quality various enormously. I think a much more rigorous photo selection would have helped by deleting several of the soft focus or confusing images. Strangely there is a major omission: none of the Fairs have a site map. The addition of the standard aerial or three-quarters looking down on all the exhibits and pavilions would seem an obvious graphic to include for each featured fair.
   
   Exit Tomorrow will give you a brief overview of past optimism and the two page bibliography has plenty of books for further study, especially the wonderful New York World's Fair of 1939/40.
   
   ***FOR AN INSIDE LOOK click 'customer images' under the cover.