Easily one of the biggest and most comprehensive guides on all things fashion “The Fashion Book” is published by Phaidon Press Ltd. This huge undertaking was, of course, far too much for one author alone, and between the five that are involved – Richard Martin, Alice Mackrell, Melanie Rickey, Angela Buttolph and Suzy Menkes – there is a wealth of expertise and knowledge on offer.
In a similar vein to “The Art Book” –which is also from the same publisher – this compendium has over 500 pages, detailing the life and works of the biggest names in the fashion industry. Short biographies on influential designers such as John Galliano, Coco Chanel, Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney, as well as a whole host of models and photographers, are included. In addition to the A to Z format of the book, there is also a cross reference section regarding the different techniques used and collaborations between the big names.
Everything from women’s clothing to men’s fashion accessories gets a mention, and considering the amount of work that all these designers have collectively produced, it is quite astonishing that the authors were able to squeeze it all in.
There is no doubt that “The Fashion Book” is a must for any follower of style, and it’s glossy and glamorous layout will make it the perfect coffee-table book. Since it was realised in 2001, it has quickly become a bible for the fashion industry.
99 Ways to Cut, Sew, Trim & Tie Your T-Shirt into Something Special is a comprehensive, spiral-bound manual that is full of great ideas about how to change your old T-shirts into snazzy and eye-catching garments. This book was written by Justina Blakeney and Faith Blakeney – who specialise in revamping women’s clothing and accessories – with Anka Livakovic and Ellen Schultz, who all worked together on 99 Ways to Cut, Sew & Deck Out Your Denim.
What is very impressive about the book is that the majority of the designs and techniques are easy to follow. Finding the right supplies to carry out the revamping work is also easy. Each style is given a difficulty rating between one and four, and the book also claims that no style should take more than half an hour to create. Each can range from the basic sewing of patches to dyeing in different colours, and there are plenty of ideas that could be utilised for both women’s and men’s fashion.
The book is published by Potter Craft who are renowned for their many guides on fashion and the re-styling of old clothes and accessories. Other titles that they have to their name include “Bend-the-Rules Sewing” and “Socks from the Toe Up”.
But as much as the information laid out in the book is in a clear step-by-step format, you may find some basic advice – regarding such things as preparation – has been omitted and it will therefore be up to the reader to find out about those tasks for themselves. However, for anyone interested in style or making their own clothes, this would make a great Christmas or birthday gift.
“100 Houses: Modern Designs for Contemporary Living” is a glossy and stylish look at the latest ventures in contemporary home designs. Although it does not cover much in the DIY and building areas, the wealth of inspiring advice and ideas such as bathroom accessories, kitchen design and bedroom furniture makes it highly recommended for anyone considering renovating their property. Properties from locations such as the UK, US and Japan have been made the subject of close study and a diverse range of styles has been included.
The author of the book is Cathy Strongman, who is known for her stylish titles and expertise in home-design and architecture. Two of her other books are “The Sustainable Home: The Essential Guide to Eco Building, Renovation and Decoration” and “New London Architecture 2”, which she wrote with Kenneth Powell.
“100 Houses: Modern Designs for Contemporary Living” was published in April 2009, by Merrell Publishers Ltd and consists of wonderfully shot photographs of cutting-edge designs as well as content that is well-written and extremely accessible. Over the 351 pages of the book, Strongman explains the aesthetics behind the designs, without relying on jargon or using any pretension.
Living room furniture, bathroom design and shower enclosures are just a selection of what is covered. This book will make the perfect Christmas or birthday present for anyone interested in modernising their home. Not only is the book filled with practical and helpful advice, but it will also make a great coffee-table book for light browsing and could easily sit on any shelf of art-photography.
“1001 Ideas for Bathrooms: The Ultimate Sourcebook” is highly recommended if you fancy designing your own bathroom. Types of furniture, cabinets, bathroom furniture and bathroom sinks are all covered extensively and there are a wealth of inspiring tips and tricks for combining different styles. Its glossy and stylish layout makes it an ideal birthday or Christmas gift.
The book is published by Apple Press and was written by Jerri Farris, who was also the author of “Kitchens and Baths for Today and Tomorrow: Ideas for Fabulous New Kitchens and Baths”, “The Complete Guide to Decorating with Ceramic Tile” as well as numerous other titles. She is also a regular contributor to interior design and home-improvement websites.
No matter what style of bathroom you are looking for, it will be covered in this book. Farris looks into every aspect of bathroom design, including factors such as where it will be located within the house and who will be using it. As much as this glossy book focuses on the style and look of bathrooms, the less-glamorous side of fitting pipes and installing shower enclosures is still given plenty of coverage.
Every step of the installation process is explained clearly, so you will know how far you can go before you have to call on the professionals. Each chapter is conveniently split into sections, such as bathroom taps, shower enclosures, etc. It’s easy to follow layout and jargon-free explanations will make it a recommended read for anyone interested in designing and installing a bathroom.
