BOOKS WITH PANACHE Reviewing the Classics Pictorial homage to
fashion’s legendary
labels
and newer names.
Published to coincide with
the 85th anniversary of the fashion house, Gucci
by Gucci (The Vendome Press, $125) by Sarah Mower is a dazzling photographic
tribute to the fabled brand, tracing its evolution from family-owned
saddler to fashion powerhouse. Walking
Dreams: Salvatore Ferragamo 1898 – 1960
(D.A.P., $50) explores the life and work of the renowned
Italian shoe designer to the stars. Ferragamo’s pioneering
use of materials such as cork and mirror mosaics, as well
as his introduction of revolutionary styles such as the stiletto
heel, is showcased. If you can’t get
to Paris for the
landmark Balenciaga retrospective at the Musée des
Arts Décoratifs, there’s Balenciaga
Paris (Thames & Hudson,
$85), an elegant companion to the exhibition. The book presents
the groundbreaking designs of Cristobal Balenciaga, as well
as the contemporary designs of his worthy successor, Nicolas
Ghesquière, in all their glory. For the last 40 years,
Jacques Helleu, artistic director of Chanel, has provided
the creative vision for the brand’s memorable advertising
and publicity campaigns. Jacques Helleu & Chanel (Abrams,
$125) recalls four decades of his successful collaboration
with some of the world’s greatest photographers and
most beautiful women. Sample: 100 Fashion
Designers, 10 Curators
(Phaidon Press, $39.95), newly issued in paperback, is for
those interested in fashion’s next wave. Ten fashion
luminaries – including Alexander McQueen – describe
the work of 100 of today’s most innovative young fashion
designers, accompanied by 1,000 color illustrations.
