Thursday, June 26, 2008

FYI Books

Here are some new books that you may be intrested in.


100 New Fashion Designers by Hywel Davis (Author)


Madame Gres: Spinx of Fashion by Patricia Mears, Jennifer Park The Fashion Institute of Technology, Pub. Date: March 2008
While the classically inspired “Grecian” gown designed by Madame Alix Grès is widely recognized and admired, little else of the brilliant couturier’s life or work has received close attention. This book, by far the most detailed study yet published on this influential fashion designer, carefully analyzes Madame Grès’ innovative construction techniques and connects her designs to the art styles and movements that inspired and informed her aesthetic. Gorgeously illustrated with images of fabulous clothes designed by Madame Grès, the book focuses on her long career (spanning the early 1930s to the late 1980s) and refutes the previous understanding that her work was static and unchanging. Rather, her designs consistently changed and evolved, even as a thread of continuity connected them. The volume discusses how sculpture and the construction of non-western clothing inspired Grès’s fashion, and examines numerous couture versions of her saris, ponchos, serapes, caftans, three-dimensional sculptural pieces, and Grecian gowns. In addition, the book constructs a timeline of her career and discusses her secretive private life, including the circumstances of her death, inexplicably concealed by her daughter for over a year.


Paris 1962: Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Dior: The Early Collections by Jerry Schatzberg (Photographer)
On assignment for Esquire magazine in 1962, fashion photographer and filmmaker Jerry Schatzberg documented the ultra-exclusive world of French haute couture in stunning photographs of famous fashion icons. All the glamour and drama of the runway is presented, including images of Yves Saint Laurent’s first collection after leaving Dior, as well as tastemakers such as Diana Vreeland and American Vogue editor Jessica Daves mingling in the chic crowds. As an insider, Schatzberg was permitted entry into the private, behind-the-scenes world of the models and photographers, which he reveals in candid images of renowned photographers such as Helmut Newton, William Klein, Hiro, and Norman Parkinson perfecting their glamour shots.Schatzberg’s images embody an era in fashion history, and document the glamour, intrigue, and opulence of the Parisian runway shows. With an eye for subtle moments of elegance, drama, and humor, Schatzberg captures the essence of the period’s style and grace.

All books available at: Barnes & Noble and Amazon


"To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy,not, rich; to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart; to study hard; to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await occasions, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common -- this is my symphony."---William Henry Channing


Lovin Life, Truth Is

A Rare Moment With Yamamoto

Yohji Yamamoto is definitely known for not talking to the media but the 64 year-old designer recently allowed Prestige's Vivienne Tang to sit down and talk with him about his career thus far, his upcoming project that will be featured on YouTube, the relationship with his mother, his present views on fashion {as well as that statement he made a few years ago about disliking fashion} and his daughter. You can read the interview in its entirety here.

LANCÔME"S LATEST

I needed some Mascara which, surprisingly, I don't wear anymore. (Never really needed it) Has mascara come a loooonnngggg way. After driving the lady at the Cosmetics Counter relatively crazy, I finally decided on Lancome. (You know how they present you with 101 options and you have to take your time, go through them all, ask questions, you know the drill!) I felt it presented me with the best possible use at the time. I discovered two other products too. They are tied to a humanitarian cause so I really don't mind screaming at you about them.

Virtuôse Black Carat
Divine Lasting Curves, Length & Volume Mascara
A LANCÔME FIRST: DIVINELY LENGTHENED, VOLUPTUOUS CURVES. SILKY GLIDE. PURE BLACK LASHES. All-in-one mascara lengthens, volumizes, and curves lashes all day. Enriched with black essence pigments, the formula glides on easily and gives a deep, black result. Long-lasting formula is virtually smudge-proof, tear-proof and easily removable.

Carnet De Velours
Daria Werbowy, Lancôme spokeswoman and international top model, has created her very own personal range of makeup -- Brazilian Earth Colors. The color statement is natural and sophisticated: from earthy browns to natural nudes to warm golds. The entire collection naturally enhances the beauty of your lips and eyes. Brazilian Earth Colors is also tied to a humanitarian effort. Each product sold will benefit Centro Espacial Vik Muniz, an arts center for young adults in Rio de Janeiro.Unlock beauty secrets with the exclusive Carnet de Velours. Signed by Daria Werbowy, this limited edition mirrored eye shadow compact creates several different sultry eye looks; from natural and elegant to seductively smoky.

Color Fever Lipstick
Lasting Radiance. Sensual LipColor. Limited Edition
This is part of the campaign to benefit Centro Espacial Vik Muniz, in Rio de Janeiro. Color Fever Lipstick in Beige Caracaï delivers incredibly luminous, vibrant color. Signed by Daria Werbowy, this limited edition shade glides along your lips with sensuous comfort leaving lips feeling smooth and supple.

Available at Lancome, Sephora, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom


"When I don't understand something, I reach up and hold God's hand. And we walk together in silence."---Mahatma Gandhi

Lovin Life, Truth Is

On The Campaign Trail: The Supers

The Supers- pronunciation;\ˈsü-pərs\
Function: noun
Date: Late 1980's
Means: Models who are the creme de la creme. Fashion models that rose to fame by understanding their craft and attaining sustainability in a superficial world. Women {and mens} faces who never go out of style because they know how to represent their product.

Excuse my poor definition of "The Supers" {I'm not Websters after all}. This year has been the resurgence of the Supermodel. All of the top models are resurfacing with big ad campaigns this year and with more on the slate to come in 2009. Naomi just recently bumped gal pal Kate Moss from Yves Saint Laurent and Linda Evangelista also scored big at Prada {Both are featured below}. So why all of a sudden a new interest in them? Simple! Because these women know how to market themselves. They don't over extend their looks and select few projects to ensure the freshness of their product! Let's hear it for The Supers!

Naomi @ Yves Saint Laurent for Fall 2008
Evangelista @ Prada for Fall 2008

**Images courtesy of Yves Saint Laurent and Prada