Posts Tagged ‘on the coffee table’

On The Coffee Table // Matthew Williamson By Colin McDowell

Wednesday, December 1st, 2010

Matthew Williamson eponymously named fashion house, has become synonymous with vibrant colour, texture, embroidery, embroidery and bohemian jet set inspiration.

Matthew Williamson by fashion historian and critic, Colin McDowell gives the reader rare insight into Williamson’s personal and work world.

In her foreword, actress Sienna Miller is quoted as saying – “When I step into one of Matthew’s dresses, I feel like I am stepping into his world, which is colourful, ethereal and dreamlike. His clothes are more than garments. They are magical mood enhancing creations and that is an absolute testament to the man designing them.”

The book sees McDowell trace the span of Williamson’s work career and delve into his personal life (starting with his birth in Manchester in 1971). McDowell explores Matthew Willamson’s time at Central St Martin’s, his placement with Zandra Rhodes and how this later influences his signature aesthetic.

This vibrant volume, examines Matthew Williamson’s contributions to the fashion industry, dating as far back as his 1998 ‘Electric Angels’ collection. It collates the historical timeline of the Matthew Williamson brand through catwalk images, design sketches, archive collection moodboards, celebrity fashion shoots, work and personal images of Matthew Williamson and his long term business parter, Joseph Velosa.

In addition, the likes of Anna Wintour, Diane Von Furstenberg, Sir Paul Smith, Joan Burstein, Plum Sykes, Alexandra Shulman, Zandra Rhodes etc lend their thoughts via visual and text contributions.

This book loudly reiterates Matthew Williamson’s talent. His stance on creating bright coloured, kaleidescopic prints and richly embellished designs, irrespective of financial climate and trends gives women joy.

Matthew Williamson by Colin McDowell is published by Rizzoli International Publications, £37.50 ($65.00) and is available from all good bookshops and online at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

More information on the book here.

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On The Coffee Table // Kenzo by Antonio Marras

Friday, November 26th, 2010


Photo Credit: Book Cover of Kenzo by Antonio Marras published by Rizzoli International Publications, £48.00.

The new Kenzo tome by Antonio Marras is much more than a book, it is an object of art. From the exquisite fabric bound cover (available in three print choices) to origami like pop up pages, it is a stunning visual experience.

Written by KENZO Creative director, Marras and varying contributors. It has starts with a foreword by Francesco Bonami. The book is a celebration of the 40th anniversary of fashion house, KENZO. It takes you on a sensory journey that explores the history of French fashion house, KENZO.

Founded by Kenzo Takada in 1970, KENZO has marred the worlds of the west and east with aplomb. It has been synonymous with breathtaking motifs, cultural divergence and inimitable prints.

In a comprehensive manner that is in keeping with the spirit of KENZO, Kenzo as published by Rizzoli International Publications, delves into the rich history of the House. Divided into sections (each has an introduction) such as ‘Escape’ written by Olivier Saillard, ‘Encounters’ by Bradley Quinn, ‘Poetry’ by Ryoko Sekiguchi it is a beautiful collation of campaign images, KENZO catwalk images, fashion drawings from past collections, KENZO’s love affair with florals and print.

This is followed on by a section called ‘Conversation’ where Antonio Marras and Bartabas (iconic French horse trainer) are interviewed by Catherine Ormen. It also included a ‘Biographies’ section, featuring biographies of Kenzo Takada and Marras respectively.

This ‘objet d’art’ is made even more special if possible, three double-sided double gatefolds, folding out to the equivalent of eight pages. There are also three accordian gatefolds that fold out to five pages. In the centre of the book is a wonderful pop-up page featuring an Eiffel tower surround by a page resplendent in flowers.

Kenzo by Antonio Marras is published by Rizzoli International Publications, £48.00 ($75.00) and is available from all good bookshops and online at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

More information on the book here.

More in the On the coffee table series here.

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On The Coffee Table // Allure by Diana Vreeland

Thursday, November 18th, 2010


Photo Credit: Book Cover of Allure by Diana Vreeland published by Chronicle books, £15.99.

Allure by Diana Vreeland published by Chronicle books, £22.95 is must have classic volume.

The late, legendary Editor-in-Chief of Vogue and Fashion Editor of Harper’s Bazaar, Diana Vreeland is renowned for being a taste maker and an iconic arbiter of style. She influenced and inspired the world of magazines, fashion and style for fifty years.

Allure sees Vreeland define her concept of allure and the makings of it. Vreeland penned the book after being urged to do so by her editor, Jackie O.

The book has images by some of the world’s renowned photographers; Irving Penn, Horst P. Horst, Edward Steichen, Richard Avedon, Cecil Beaton and etc. Includes the work of paparazzito who helped shape an era of glamour.In the book, Vreeland profiles iconic figures such as Josephine Baker, Greta Garbo, Duchess of Windsor, Getrude Stein, Maria Callas, Marilyn Monroe and more in a mission to illustrate her concept of allure.

In the foreword by Marc Jacobs, he rightly states, “I think no one has ever been like her. There have been many strong characters, but there’s never been another Diana Vreeland.”

This book is for all enthusiasts of fashion, style and editorial fashion magazines.

Allure by Diana Vreeland is published by Chronicle books, £22.95.and available from all good bookshops and online at Chronicle Books

More information on the book here.

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On The Coffee Table // Postcards From The Edge Of The Catwalk By Iain R Webb

Friday, October 22nd, 2010


Cover Image taken from Postcards from the Edge of the Catwalk By Iain R. Webb. Published by ACC Editions.

Iain R Webb’s ‘Postcards From The Edge Of The Catwalk’ is a personal photographic portfolio that spans 30 years of iconic catwalk moments and all the glamorous uproar surrounding it.

In a voluminous 272 page turner, Webb shows the magic, exuberance and excitement of high fashion, haute couture shows and hard to access exclusive party invites through personal photos captured over a period of 3 decades.

Iain R Webb is an acclaimed fashion journalist and lecturer whose career spans working as fashion editor at The Times, ELLE, Harpers & Queen and Blitz to name a few. His work has taken him to hard to access glittering fashion parties, front row at glamorous couture shows and behind the proverbial velvet rope. The book shares Webb’s personal collection of photos taken at all these occasions. This photographic portfolio consists of some never seen before memorable catwalk moments, celebrities like Tilda Swinton, Grace Jones, George Michael, Kate Winslet, Gwyneth Paltrow, Sean Combs etc. Designers include Oscar de la Renta, Yves Saint Laurent and Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, Marc Jacobs, Vivienne Westwood and Anna Sui etc.

For the book, Webb’s photos were developed by Snappy Snaps into postcard size prints, keeping the book more ‘candid fly-on-the-wall documentary’ and less ‘conceived high tech’ in mood.

Off the book, Grazia Magazine’s Style Director, Paula Reed is quoted as saying, ” At every fashion there is the invited audience, and then there are the prviledged few, whose access transcends the velvet ropes and VIP rooms. For longer that I can remember , Iain R Webb was one of the few who was invited everywhere and had the presence of mind to take the pictures of what was happening. There is no better guide to fashion’s inner sanctum. This book is the next best thing to actually being there.”

Reed’s quote completely captures the essence of Webb’s book.

‘Postcards From The Edge Of The Catwalk’ is an unabashed labour of love. illustrating Webb’s passion for the creativity, inspiration and magic of the catwalk and the fashion industry at large.

Postcards From The Edge Of The Catwalk By Iain R Webb is published by ACC Editions, priced £24.95 and available from all good bookshops and online at www.accpublishinggroup.com

More information on the book here.

More in the On the coffee table series here.

Cover Image taken from Postcards from the Edge of the Catwalk By Iain R. Webb. Published by ACC Editions.

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On The Coffee Table // The ELLEments Of Personal Style By Joe Zee And Maggie Bullock

Wednesday, October 20th, 2010

With a foreword by ELLE editor-in-chief, Robbie Robbie Myers, ‘The ELLEments of Style by ELLE: 25 Modern Fashion Icons on How to Dress, Shop, and Live’ by ELLE editors Joe Zee and Maggie Bullock is a coffee table must have.

Joe Zee and Maggie Bullock have put together an invaluable mix of interviews, tips, inspiring photos. The 255 page hardcover book, takes you into the lives of 25 women who have influenced our perspective on personal style over the years. Some of these women include;Charlotte Gainsbourg, Charlotte Rampling, Dita von Teese, Christina Hendricks, Erin Wasson, Tracey Ellis Ross, Anjelica Huston, Diane von Furstenberg, Fatima Robinson and Margherita Missoni etc.

The book gives you an all access and takes you behind the scenes; into the work places, homes, closets and favoured spaces of each of the women it features. ‘The ELLEments of Personal Style: 25 Modern Fashion Icons on How to Dress, Shop, and Live’ reiterates that style goes beyond fashion, brands or price tags. It encompasses ones lifestyle, how they wear their clothes, the inspiration behind it etc.

The focal interviews with each profiled woman includes commentary and focuses on why their wardrobe works for them.

In the foreword of the book, Myers is quoted as saying ““Since its inception, ELLE has challenged the notion of what ‘American beauty’ can be,” “Twenty-five years later, we celebrate another publication: a book about personal style, a concept central to ELLE’s DNA from the beginning. As modern architect Mies von Rohe said, ‘God is in the details.’ For each of the twenty-five women we highlight, a million little details add up to a ‘look’ and their personal style is just that: personal. The women exemplify the idea that developing this strong personal style can help you feel more powerful in the world and more comfortable in your own skin.”

Spanning the timeless iconic style of muse, Charlotte Rampling to the bohemian meets off duty style of model Erin Wasson, ‘The ELLEments of Personal Style: 25 Modern Fashion Icons on How to Dress, Shop, and Live’ is a celebration of innate personal style and the workings of it.

‘The ELLEments Of Style: 25 Modern Fashion Icons on How to Dress, Shop, and Live’ by Joe Zee And Maggie Bullock is published by Gotham Books of Penguin Group USA, priced £18.91 ($30) and available from all major bookshops. It is online on Amazon.com here. and on Amazon.co.uk here.

More information on the book here.

More in the On the coffee table series here.

‘The ELLEments Of Personal Style; 25 Modern Fashion Icons on How to Dress, Shop, and Live’ by Joe Zee And Maggie Bullock cover image. Courtesy of Gotham of Penguin Group USA.

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On The Coffee Table // Isabella Blow By Martina Rink

Monday, September 13th, 2010


Isabella Blow by Martina Rink cover image. Courtesy of Thames & Hudson

Isabella Blow was incomparable. She is notable for discovering the likes of Hussein Chalayan, Alexander McQueen and Sophie Dahl. She was also widely known for inspiring and nurturing talent, world over.

Isabella Blow‘ by Martina Rink (she was Isabella’s assistant until her suicide in 2007 and is now the director of Fashion Spotlight, Berlin), sees the writer compile personal accounts with Blow, iconic portraits of Isabella by photographers such as Rankin, Testino with contributed letters from Manolo Blahnik, Anna Wintour, Tracey Emin etc in a vivid celebration of her unforgettable but tragic life.

Isabella Blow by Martina Rink is published by Thames & Hudson, priced £29.95 and available from all major bookshops.

More information on the book here.

More in the On the coffee table series here.

Image is used with kind courtesy of Thames & Hudson.

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On The Coffee Table // Pucci, Vintage Art Edition

Monday, August 16th, 2010

This limited edition book documents the work and legacy of Emilio Pucci. Pucci, Vintage Art Edition is signed by his daughter Laudomia Pucci who is the Deputy Chairman and Image Director of the company.

The book bound in an original vintage Pucci print retails for £650 and is limited to only 500 copies. The 416 page turner has four art prints of original drawings by Emilio Pucci and comes in an acrylic box.

For more information on the book, click here.

Photo Credit: Pucci, Vintage Art Edition cover image from Taschen site.

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on the coffee table // kate moss by mario testino

Monday, August 9th, 2010

Renowned and acclaimed photographer Mario Testino has created some of the most iconic fashion photography. A new book, Kate Moss by Mario Testino , as published by Taschen, delves into the photographer’s work with his greatest muse.

Some of Testino’s most memorable images are of Kate Moss. It was Testino that first photographed Moss looking glamorous and sensual. Till this juncture, Moss was more known for her grunge, waif image.

A quote by Kate Moss from the book states this …


“Mario took me to a new level of glamour. I don’t think anybody had seen me as any kind of sexy model before he did. He was the one that transformed me. Before him I was just a grungy girl, but he saw me differently. He was the first to say ‘Oh, she’s quite sexy. I’ve seen her out! I know she’s not just that grungy girl.’ He’d seen me in a pair of heels, getting glamorous – and he was the first to start taking pictures of me in that way. He changed the way people thought about me as a model, for sure. Later other people started working with me in that way, but he was the first.”

The hardcover 230 page turner is £300 and documents their collaborations, with some never seen before images. The book also has an exclusive essay by Moss.

If you are a fan of Testino, Moss or great fashion photography as a whole, this book is for you.

More information on Kate Moss by Mario Testino, click here.

Read the rest of the On the coffee table series here.

Photo Credit: Kate Moss by Mario Testino cover image from Taschen site.

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on the coffee table // Louis Vuitton: Art, Fashion and Architecture

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

Louis Vuitton has been known for some of the most iconic collaborations. Renowned creatives such as Zaha Hadid, Stephen Sprouse, Annie Leibovitz, Takashi Murakami and David LaChapelle are just a few of the people who have collaborated with the fashion house.

The 400 page tome called Louis Vuitton: Art, Fashion and Architecture sees all those exciting collaborations cataloged in a structured anthology. It was published in September 2009 and goes to reinforce the fact that fashion does not exist in a bubble. Fashion has always been heavily entwined with art, architecture, design etc.

The mannequin images above were photographed by David Hughes as styled by Katie Grand. They were taken in commemoration of the opening of the London Louis Vuitton Maison store. See more of those images

Read more about the book on Amazon here.

Photo Credit:Image of book cover from Amazon.com. Mannequin images by David Hughes from Rawwww

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On the Coffee Table // The Art of Tim Burton

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

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Photo credit:Steeles Publishing.

Tim Burton films are just fantastic. His Corpse Bride and Edward Scissorhands are remarkable. I have watched his new Disney Alice in Wonderland twice now and would like to watch it again at the cinema.

Burton has a new book that I am obsessing about. I first read about it in issue 21 of Wonderland magazine. It was the illustrations that caught my eye! So I did a bit of internet research and this is what I found…

The Art of Tim Burton is a comprehensive compilation of his illustrations and film concepts from 40 years. The amazing looking book (434 pages) is divided into 13 chapters, which each one focusing on common Burton themes. It also has amazing contributions and thoughts on Burton by folk like Johnny Depp, Danny Elfman(who creates the score music for his movies) and Helena Bonham Carter etc.

The hard cover book comes in two editions; the Standard for $69.99 and a deluxe for $299.99. The Deluxe version has a cloth slipcase, is signed in the inside cover and comes with a signed lithograph.

Which one would you get? Being a Burton fan, I am seriously pondering splurging on the deluxe edition

I really really want this book, it is available at Steeles Publishing.

I will be obsessing about it till it’s on my coffee table.

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