Fashion Books

Must read for those who need to understand all behind those double C's. Chanel was a force to be reckoned with in her day and in ours. Most know how she made little black dress, jersey knit and suntans part of our modern fashion needs. But few knew just how many times she remade herself into some new fabulous creation. She was the "Madonna" of her day. A glimpse into her life one could only wonder what else she could accomplish as a bastard child, raised by nuns, and thrown into society. She may not be a gentle soul but she certainly is interesting. Enjoy!

Must read for those who need to understand all behind those double C's. Chanel was a force to be reckoned with in her day and in ours. Most know how she made little black dress, jersey knit and suntans part of our modern fashion needs. But few knew just how many times she remade herself into some new fabulous creation. She was the "Madonna" of her day. A glimpse into her life one could only wonder what else she could accomplish as a bastard child, raised by nuns, and thrown into society. She may not be a gentle soul but she certainly is interesting. Enjoy!

Charles James filled his designs with beauty and technical brilliance. He was an architect of fabric. His designs were as beautiful on the inside as they were on the outside. This book is a glimpse into his world of manipulating shape and form. My only regret is that is not longer. Enjoy!

.....really an Understatement in the Truest term of the word. I went to school a block away from where he was living at the time,
(The High School of Fashion Industries) at the "Chelsea Hotel",he was being discovered by Antonio Lopez & Juan Ramos (Both would become Legends in their own rights as Prolific & Masterful Illustrators:- See "Antonio's People", better yet Read it!) Charles James was that rare artisan, who knew who owned which of his pieces, and could recite Fabric, Closures(i.e.zippers, buttons, etc.) threads, seams stiches and interfacings. When the Brooklyn Museum did a retrospective on him, they knew whom to ask for what articles they included. High Strung? Perhaps, but Talented? Surely!!

This is simply a jewel of a book.

For any of us with wistful memories of our mother's magical charm bracelets (and the romantic stories associated with each tiny carved golden object) the lovely CHARM OF CHARMS brings it all back.

The stories are fascinating, the jewelers the best, and the history indispensable for those of us currently addicted to charms (and you'll find some of the best in these pages).

The beautiful people, the stunning photographs, and the luscious color make this a PERFECT HOLIDAY GIFT. They ship overnight!

This book is filled with interesting information and beautiful photographs. It's perfect as a coffee table book as you'll want to look at it again and again.

This is the best "style manual" I have ever read. It's fun, honest and unpretentious in every way. Bay Garnett, stylist for UK Vogue sets a tone that is unheard of in other cookie cutter books. Best book ever!

i am utterly in looooovvvveeeee with this book
it's the best style book i've read so far

BUY IT - if you love fashion & style

Sandra J. Bryan's book CHER DOLL & HER CELEBRITY FRIENDS could've only come from a dedicated Mego Cher collector.

Each page has glorious color photos of all the different types of Mego Cher dolls--including Sonny--and also features other Mego dolls like Diana Ross, Farrah Fawcett, Jaclyn Smith, The Captain & Tennille, Suzanne Somers, Laverne & Shirley and Lynda Carter as Wonder Woman. Any kid from the 70s will recognize these names and remember some of the dolls.

Bryan provides info on each doll from the year of release to how much the dolls sold for back then, which range from $7.95-$8.95, and how much they go for now in mint condition.

The author also provides photos on the many Bob Mackie fashions that were available for the Mego Cher doll and she describes each one as though you were watching a fashion show and provides the approximate prices of each.

What separates this book from other Mego collector books is that Bryan has lovingly dressed and posed the Cher doll in the fashions and has the star in many scenes (that reflect the outfit) and features other dolls not just Mego's. Each vignette also includes elaborate backgrounds and doll sets/props and reminds me of the skits that the real Cher used to do on the "Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour" (Sonny & Cher - The Ultimate Collection).

Anyway, you can tell that this was a labor of love from author Sandra "Johnsie" Bryan and I'm glad that she takes the reader on that fun journey. I recommend this book to any Cher or Mego fan or fashion doll collector.

I love that this book exists! I've always had a CHER doll but I never owned any of her fashions, but I definitely remember looking at them at Toys 'R' Us when I was a kid. I even remember her wearing many of them on her own show back in the 1970's. The photos are fun and entertaining! This is a great addition to any Cher collection!

*China Chic* is a gorgeous yet scholarly study of the interchange between China and the West in terms of fashion. Among the many intriguing points is how women of Chinese ancestry in the West are now influencing fashion design in new, very sophisticated ways. The combined efforts of Valerie Steele, John Major, and others make this book a must-read, just as the exhibit at the Fashion Institute in spring 1999 that this book used as a basis was a must-see for anyone who cares about fashion, culture and dress, or Chinese history.

China chic is a truly haunting experienc

A comprehensive work on Chinese textiles in the last Dynasty of China and the early 20th Century which is profusely illustrated. It is an excellent book for any collector or person interested in this field.
Highly recommended. This book doesn't repeat information which has been previously published but gives a fresh view.

What a beautiful book!

I wanted to reach out and touch the textiles inside. It's humbling to know that "they" could create such glorious fabrics and clothing long before the invention of all our high-tech machinery and hyper-marketed "designer" creations.

The history of who wore what (and why) is fascinating. If you're interested in fashion and textiles and/or enjoy history and/or have an interest in China - I suspect that you'll enjoy this book. Stick it beside your bed or near the sofa, as it's a fun book for browsing.

By the way, I don't know the author (though I wish I did) and I don't have any relationship with the publisher, etc. I just liked the book - which I bought for myself. Soon after, I ran out and bought 2 more for Christmas gifts.

From an American in Singapore.

Visual treat. Christian Dior legacy in all its glamour and la belle epoque. Superbe. C'est magnifique.

This huge, high-quality softbound volume is, in brief, a most fitting tribute to the great Christian Dior on the fiftieth anniversary of his death. The book is filled with superb full-page photography, mostly in black and white, of everything Dior, from his gowns to his accessories to his atelier in Paris and his fashion shows. As the book's title implies, the focus is on Dior's connections with Germany in his great years, 1947-1957. Several of the photographs feature the immortal Berliner Marlene Dietrich in Dior creations. Altogether a wonderful book!

Pierre Berge is a superman in the world of art, fashion, and culture.
His words are astute, true, and enlightening. The fashions and the
photography of them, here, are simply beautiful. I would like to hear
more on fashion and art and life from Mr. Berge.

Another great little book in the Universe of Fashion series! Christian Lacroix is one of the more "avantgarde" designers and apart from his "Notebook", there is nothing else available about him so it is great to be able to see some of Lacroix's bright and witty clothes here. A fabulous introduction to one of fashion's "alternatives"!

This was a wonderful book. Lovely and full of style and grace. The shoes were dazzling and wonderful. Some that i wouldn't mind being displayed in my house.

Shoes are more than scraps of fabric and leather to keep your feet off the ground. Contrary to what all the "Practical Pattys" in the world will tell you, shoes set the mood for an outfit, reveal the wearer's spirit and personality. And shoes can even be ART, as shown in this book. My personal favorite is the "glass slipper" made of broken pop bottles welded together. Not something you want to dance until midnight in!