5 comments about Tom Ford.

1. There is no doubting that Tom Ford is the sexiest man on the planet, there is no doubting the man is one of the most talented designers. But this booklet culminates into one of the greatest publishing works I have ever seen. I was mesmerized by the packaging, intrigued by many of his choices for photographs to use and left saying, I would wear his clothes any old time. He was one of the first designers who brought sex to high fashion. I've been a tough critic many times on many publications but this one is by far the most oustanding and innovative and individual work of publishing that I've ever seen. Of course could we expect any less from Tom Ford, who has done nothing but outstanding projects from the time he left the Texas town he came from? This man is one of the greats of our time. I just hope he continues to succeed. Thanks! And by the way, buy this book, it is well worth every penny and it's a great conversation piece for any dinner party. Put it out on the coffee table and watch the fingers flip through the most glossy and elegant pages of any published work yet.



2. if you enjoy tom ford, then this is the book to get.
   
   it is big.
   it is heavy.
   it is expensive.
   it is well worth it.



3. All of the necessary information about tom fords work with Gucci, simple, chic and grand. Great for people who are in fashion business.



4. I got the TOM FORD book for Christmas and I absolutely love it. If you are a fashionista, like me, you must have it. The pictures are incredible, the interview is fascinating and overall its a great book. Ford is a very savvy businessman and designer. Always thinking ahead of his time. Foremost his character and his trajetory with Gucci inspire anyone to work harder and be a successfull person regarless if you are in the fashion industry or not.



5. Tom Ford is hot, what else is there to say? Who cares about the models, Tom is a reason in himself to have the book.

1 comments about Vivienne Westwood: Shoes.

1. For lovers of Vivienne Westwood, this is a beautiful book showing off full page color photos of many of her artistic and lovely shoes. This book is 189 pages and almost all photographs. The book has gold leafed page edging and a protective clear cover. Vivienne Westwood Shoes is a lovely tribute to Ms. Westwood and a beautiful collectors item or gift for lovers of her work.

5 comments about French Fashion Illustrations of the Twenties: 634 Cuts from La Vie Parisienne (Dover Pictorial Archive Series).

1. As a reference for fashion history, this book is very nice. However, the fasions that are included bear only a faint resemblance to what we in the US think of 1920s fashion. Where we think of Flapper Era fashions as characterized by straight lines, dropped waists, and cloche hats, the fashions in this book are a definite departure from that. Most of the dresses have round skirts and definite waist lines. When I say rounded shirts I mean rounded skirts. They are like balloons of fabric. I would recommend this book to those who have a real interest in. or curiosity about French fashion of the 1920's, then this will serve you well. Otherwise it is a disappointment.



2. I have lots of fashion books and this is one of my favorites just for the illustrations. There is very little text, but again if you want fun and inspiring illustrations this book is the best. I personally like these little drawings better than even Erte's illustrations.



3. Yes this is a good book that captures the general feel of the time-periods. However, as an owner of said book, I must point out that more than a few fashions are repeated in the "years/chapters". This gives the book a clip-art feel and detracts, somewhat, from the over-all quality. The book is all in straight Black & White and some people might be put off by this but it preserves the charm of the periods the book aims to capture. So I say this is a fair purchase for those interested in 20's art and not too obsessed whith graphics.



4. Found this book very useful when doing research on clothing for a fashion history class.



5. Found this book very useful when doing research on clothing for a fashion history class.

5 comments about A Passion for Purses, 1600-2005.

1. Accessories, even more than complete costumes, rarely get scholarly attention. This book is one of the few to address the subject in a systematic, historical way. Much needed.



2. This book has helped me immensely to make smarter additions to my own purse collection because there are so many clear examples of each genre. As a reference book, this is the go-to volume when you need to be SURE of a time period, the correct name for a style, etc... Yet it is such a beautiful book, my mother purchased one for her bookshelf and she has no interest in purses!



3. What a wonderful accomplishment for Paula and Lori! The information pertaining to early purses such as misers, pockets, chatelaines, textiles and needlework purses! I especially enjoyed the chapter on purse restoration. The photos of the figural & scenic purses are absolutely amazing. The celluloid and compact purse examples were also a delight.
   For everyone who knows these two lovely ladies, they know that they truly have a passion for purses. Many times I have heard of Paula donating her time to deliver public presentations, printing and passing out breakthrough information on early purses and donating them to interested parties, as well as contributing to other books including mine. If anyone deserves a pat on the back for this groundbreaking book, it is these two ladies, Paula Higgins and Lori Blaser. Congratulations ladies! Well done!



4. What a beautiful book; filled with glorious bags of the past, historical information and current values. There are hundreds of bags, created using techniqes such as beading, embroidery, tapestry, netting, crochet, knitting, tambour, loom, petit point and various stitchery. Gorgeous bags are displayed - eye-smacking delicious- that I have not seen in other collectible publications; a real plus for collectors. There is a chapter dedicated to restoration of vintage bags, with instructions for repair and cleaning, plus photos; tips when purchasing bags; and choosing the right purse frames. At the back of the book, page 256, I was delighted to see the two contemporary bags by Katerina Musetti, an artist and established opera singler; the bags are exquisite. It is obvious this book is a culmination of Paula and Lori's purse obsession, historical studies and labor. I highly recommend this inspiring book for collectors, as well as, bag enthusiasts; a book not to be missed. Review by Lydia F. Borin, The Beadwrangler



5. 'Passion for Purses' is a beautiful, quality reference book for all purse lovers & collectors; from novice to the serious collector. The book has special emphasis on very early antique purses by one of the most knowledgeable persons around today. Contains previously unseen purses from private collections that have never before been published. Hundreds of pictures on quality paper, excellent information on the many catagories of purses that are included. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has a passion for purses. Great book for study or pleasure.A Passion for Purses, 1600-2005

5 comments about All About Silk: A Fabric Dictionary & Swatchbook (Fabric Reference Series, Volume 1).

1. I cannot say enough good things about this book (or for that matter the entire series!).
   The author has an entertaining, easy to read writing style. She presents a great deal of information, and rather than feeling overwhelmed, the reader is able to learn a great deal.
   The very best thing about this book is the fabric samples. If you have ever wondered about what a specific type of silk feels like, then you will have your answer. You just cannot get this information from a written description. This book is indespensible for fashionistas, designers, sewers and anyone else interested in clothing or fabric.



2. When identifying fabric, texture is more important than appearance. Even though I don't sew, I do purchase vintage items for my prop company and I have to label the outfit in the description. If you want to learn about fabric, this is the way to go.



3. This book was love-at-first-sight. It doesn't blab unnecessarily about the fabric, just lets you touch and see it for yourself. While being very visual and tactile, it also devotes a page with all the relevant information about each particular kind of silk (and who would have thought there would be so many?!): how to care for it, how difficult it is to sew, the ideal projects for each fabric, its characteristics, its approximate price per yard, hints/tips for working with the fabric, etc. I wish there was a reference book like this for everything! It has really inspired me and given me the confidence and knowledge that I need to both shop for silk and start some projects.



4. This is the perfect book if your local fabric store doesn't carry any (or enough) silk to learn on your own. Words just can't replace running the fabric through your fingers to see if it will work for your project, and this book lets you do that and more. The information collected here is worth twice the asking price. Now you can order what you need off the internet sites and have a better idea what to expect.



5. I got this book through the Crafter's Choice bookclub, but I had to come here to recommend it. It is ideal literally for anyone. Someone who wants to know more about the fabrics they wear, or as a book for someone like myself who knows a good deal about fabrics to refer to, which I often do. I'm a student at Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan, so I've taken textile classes before and know my fair share. I even have a swatchbook with many fabrics but this books is just exceptional. I will definitely buy the wool and cotton versions of this book eventually. Silk is my favorite fabric to sew in so it was a priority. The book has a really great layout also, making it not too much reading and easy to find the information you are looking for. You can find in the book what to expect from each fabric when you're sewing it, how to take care of it, all its variations, suggestions on fitting, really anything important that you'd need to know about a fabric.... and then more, making you knowledgable on the subject.

No comments about A Passion for Stilettos.

1 comments about Collector's Guide to Vintage Tablecloths (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. I LOVED this book, it's beautiful, well researched and great reference book for dating your collection. A must have for all collectors....

1 comments about The Fashion Intern.

1. This book is excellent. It starts with locating internship opportunities, then moves on to how to write a resume, have an interview, and get the job. Highly recommend it!

3 comments about Tattoos from Paradise: Traditional Polynesian Patterns.

1. This is an excellent book as a historical reference for Polynesian Tattooing. It offers no new ideas or artwork but combines the historical information from previously published books. I recommend this book for anyone interested in Polynesian tattooing as not the definitive, but a good reference. It focuses a lot on Maori Tattooing and less on other cultures but that may be due to the fact that the Ta Moko had more documentation or illustrations that this author could use to fill his book. This is also a good reference into Polynesian culture because it documents that historically the Tatau was not a fad, or in anyway a negative, rebellious action in Polynesia. Ta Tatau was interwoven into the culture and life as a positive art form historically and today.



2. At a time when there is a cultural rage for "tribal tattooing," there is a scarcity of materials on Polynesian tattooing. This book finally addresses that need. The book contains many historical photographs of examples of 7 different polynesian culture's uses of tattoo. Brief summaries examine each area's history and methods for tattooing. The book is very attractively done. Recommended for anyone serious about tattooing.



3. It i great to know there are books like this that are out that can help the younger polynesian generation learn about their ansetries art and culture.

1 comments about Cartier 1899-1949: The Journey of a Style.

1. The book is well researched but the range is limited to a period of Cartier. Focusing not only on the great historic pieces but also on the small ones, it makes for interesting reading for anyone who appreciate fine workmanship but also the history of jewels. High quality photos.