Charles James: Beyond Fashion (Metropolitan Museum of Art (Hardcover))

Name: Charles James: Beyond Fashion (Metropolitan Museum of Art (Hardcover))
Price: 40.45 USD
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Rating: 4.8 (186 reviews)

4.8 of 5 Stars: Fashion - Charles James: Beyond Fashion (Metropolitan Museum of Art (Hardcover))

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Book Synopsis: “His work went beyond fashion and was a fine art.” —a Charles James patron

Charles James, often considered to be America’s first couturier, was renowned in the 1940s and 1950s as a master at sculpting fabric for the female form and creating fashions that defined mid-century glamour. Although James had no formal training as a dressmaker, he created strikingly original and complex designs, including intricate ball gowns worn by members of high society in New York and Europe.

This lavishly illustrated book offers a comprehensive study of James’ life and work, highlighting his virtuosity and inventiveness as well as his influence on subsequent fashion designers. Featuring exciting new photography of the spectacular evening dresses James produced between 1947 and 1955, this publication includes enlightening details of these intricate creations alongside vintage photographs and rarely seen archival items, such as patterns, muslins, dress forms, and sketches.

A detailed and illustrated chronology of James’ life describes his magnetic personality, his unorthodox design processes, his colorful supporters—such as Salvador Dalí, Elsa Schiaparelli, Christian Dior, and Cristobal Balenciaga—and profiles of a number of his famous clients, such as Gypsy Rose Lee. With flair and style echoing that of its subject, Charles James brings to life one of the most fascinating and creative figures in American fashion.

Published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art/Distributed by Yale University Press

Exhibition Schedule:
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (05/08/14–08/10/14)

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If you have an eye for fashion and appreciate the elegance of mid-century glamour, then you cannot miss out on Charles James: Beyond Fashion. This lavishly illustrated book takes you on a journey through the life and work of the renowned couturier, Charles James. His innovative designs and masterful sculpting of fabric for the female form revolutionized the world of fashion.

What sets Charles James apart from other fashion designers is his ability to create strikingly original and complex designs, even without formal dressmaking training. His intricate ball gowns were worn by high society members in both New York and Europe, elevating him to iconic status. With this comprehensive study, you'll gain insight into his virtuosity and inventiveness, discovering the influence he had on subsequent fashion designers.

Featuring stunning new photography of the breathtaking evening dresses James produced between 1947 and 1955, this book offers a rare glimpse into his artistic process. Vintage photographs and seldom-seen archival items, such as patterns, muslins, dress forms, and sketches, enrich the narrative. Immerse yourself in his magnetic personality and unorthodox design processes through a detailed chronology of his life.

Not only will you be captivated by Charles James himself, but this book also sheds light on his colorful supporters, including Salvador Dalí, Elsa Schiaparelli, Christian Dior, and Cristobal Balenciaga. Learn about his famous clients, such as the legendary Gypsy Rose Lee, who admired his creativity and style.

Don't miss your chance to experience the life and work of one of the most fascinating figures in American fashion. Get your copy of Charles James: Beyond Fashion today and be inspired by his flair and style. Order now and immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Charles James.

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