Design

Zeichnen und Schreiben: In dem vorliegenden Buch greifen zwei Ausdrucksformen ineinander. Ein Zyklus von Bleistiftzeichnungen bildet die Grundlage: karge Landschaftsfragmente, feine Porträts, grob umrissene, tänzerische Figuren.　

Darüber hinaus sind handschriftliche Notizen eng mit dem Gezeichneten verwoben. Oft markiert das Schreiben die erste Berührung des Zeichenstifts mit dem Papier. Vieles bleibt unleserlich, ist überzeichnet. Aber der Betrachter möchte wissen, was da steht, wie die Verschmelzung von Schrift und Zeichnung zu verstehen ist.

Gegliedert in autarke Kapitel werden die rätselhaften Texte zu einer eigenen, unverzichtbaren Ebene des Gesamtprojekts. Die Bilder illustrieren nicht, sie erweitern die Sprache, und diese erklärt nicht, sondern bietet eine Möglichkeit, den Vorgang des Zeichnens nachzuvollziehen

Design affects all social contexts and is therefore intensively instrumentalized both by the politically powerful and their critics. Both functions of design, and their inevitable combination, are presented in this book in precise detail.

Authors from various countries present previously unknown and innovative examples of democratic activities conducted through design. This publication is therefore aimed not only at design professionals but also at the general public of all countries.

Unzählige Interaktionen mit Dingen prägen unseren Alltag. Zähneputzen, Fahrradfahren, am Computer arbeiten – diese Interaktionen werden uns erst dann bewusst, wenn sie mit positiven oder negativen Erlebnissen verbunden sind: Alltagsobjekte vermitteln durch ihre Gestalt eine Form des stummen Wissens. Durch ihr Interface findet eine unbewusste Wahrnehmung davon statt, welche Handlungsmöglichkeiten die Dinge uns bieten. Doch wie kann die Kommunikation zwischen Dingen und NutzerInnen gelingen?

Die Autorin zeigt, wie unbewusst wahrnehmbare Handlungsmöglichkeiten in Dinge hinein gestaltet werden und wodurch Menschen fähig sind, diese Handlungsmöglichkeiten wahrzunehmen und zu nutzen, sie sogar mitzugestalten. Die Bedeutung dieser Ergebnisse sind für die Technik- wie für die Wissenschaftsforschung von hoher Relevanz.

Combining typefaces is one of the great challenges and, at the same time, a continuing allure for typographers and designers: is it meant to be extravagant or should it only be carried out to a limited degree or, ideally, not at all? Which fonts harmonize with each other, and which don’t? Which ones complement each other or even enhance each other? There are few answers to be found in the professional literature.

This handbook demonstrates that it is possible to determine criteria for the combining of typefaces. By looking at the shape of typefaces in detail and creating a revised classification of fonts, it conveys a deeper understanding of the diversity of typefaces and, based on a systematic analysis of analogy and contrast, it establishes the urgently necessary findings required for combining typefaces. An indispensable standard work for typographers and graphic designers.

From consumer products to architecture to advertising to digital technology, design is an undeniably global phenomenon. Yet despite their professed transnational perspective, historical studies of design have all too often succumbed to a bias toward Western, industrialized nations. This diverse but rigorously curated collection recalibrates our understanding of design history, reassessing regional and national cultures while situating them within an international context. Here, contributors from five continents offer nuanced studies that range from South Africa to the Czech Republic, all the while sensitive to the complexities of local variation and the role of nation-states in identity construction.

The iconic dress that has stood the test of time.

Contemporary yet classic, the little black dress never goes out of style. Popularized by Coco Chanel in the 1920s, the style freed women from the corset and became the epitome of liberation. Dubbed the 'Ford of fashion' by American Vogue, it was simple, stylish and affordable – 'the frock that all the world will wear'.

Tracing the fascinating evolution of the LBD, from Audrey Hepburn's sleek Givenchy sheath in Breakfast at Tiffany's or Princess Diana's rebellious 'revenge dress' right through to the mesh detailing and body-sculpting shapes of recent years, this little book is a celebration of one of fashion's most iconic garments.

'One is never under dressed or over dressed with a little black dress.'
Karl Lagerfield

'A little black dress is something to rely on. To fill you with confidence and ease. To have an attitude that is pure and effortless, yet sexy and classy.'
Stella McCartney

'The little black dress must be luxurious, rich, sensual, diaphanous, exotic, severe, lush, demure, demanding, frivolous, amusing, and it must linger in memory, but above all, it must be simple and little and black.'
Carolina Herrera

"It's a fabulous thing to give life to fabric, to make something move well, the harmony of colour" - Hubert de Givenchy

Ever since Audrey Hepburn stood outside Tiffany's, croissant in hand, Givenchy has been the last word in elegant couture. The clean, sweeping lines and classic, feminine silhouettes have enthralled women from the Duchess of Sussex to Kendall Jenner, all of whom adore the romanticism and sophistication of a Givenchy ensemble. More sculptor than designer, Hubert de Givenchy created a house that is utterly timeless.

This exquisitely illustrated volume explores the story behind the brand, from its creation in 1952 to its current leadership and designs. Through a carefully curated collection of finished designs, close-up details and key moments, this book shines a light on the dazzling world of Givenchy.

"Give me time and I'll give you a revolution" - Alexander McQueen

Ever since its creation in 1992, the House of Alexander McQueen has been synonymous with drama, risk-taking and cutting-edge innovation. From iconic collaborations, like with Lady Gaga for her "Bad Romance" music video, to shockingly controversial runway shows like The Horn of Plenty, Alexander McQueen was beloved for his fantastical silhouettes and blurring of gender lines.

This exquisitely illustrated volume explores the story behind the House, from McQueen's own early days to the current leadership of Sarah Burton. Through a carefully curated collection of finished designs, close-up details and sketches, this book pulls back the veil on the wonderful world of McQueen.

'Don't be into trends. Don't make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress...' - Gianni Versace

From Elizabeth Hurley's safety pin dress to Jennifer Lopez's plunging green gown, Versace has always been a brand at the cutting edge of fashion. With a foot firmly placed in pop culture, Versace is beloved by fashionistas and celebrities alike, providing iconic moments like Lil Nas X's gold armour at the 2021 Met Gala, many of Elton John's eclectic tour outfits and the gown worn by Lady Diana in her posthumous tribute in Harper's Bazaar.

Exquisitely illustrated and expertly written, this book explores the story of the brand, from its creation in 1978 by Gianni Versace to its iconic status today. Featuring images of red-carpet moments, key pieces and stunning catwalk shows, this is a fabulous collection of all things Versace.

'If you go to Tokyo, I think it becomes very obvious that there's this almost seamless mixture of popular culture and Japanese traditional culture.' – Kazuo Ishiguro

From the youthful maximalism of Harajuku to the luxurious sophistication of Ginza, Tokyo is the city of a thousand styles. With diverse and unique subcultures like the kitsch Sweet Lolitas, the dark and dramatic goths and punks, the retro rockbillys and the elegant and traditional Wa Lolitas, Tokyo is home to an explosion of fashion like no other. This instalment of the beautiful Little Books of City Style series will look at the style evolution of this incredible capital, providing an exquisitely illustrated guide to dressing like a true Tokyoite.

A design monograph series on the most remarkable architects, designers, brands and design movements of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, each book contains a historical-critical essay discussing the life and work of the subject, followed by an illustrated appreciation of groundbreaking work.

Charles and Ray Eames were the golden couple of postwar American design. True multimedia pioneers, they worked in furniture design, architecture, print, photography and filmmaking. They imbued the modern twentieth-century aesthetic with originality, colour and freshness, and their ability to mould plastics and plywood with an elegance not previously seen resulted in some of the most influential furniture design of the modern age – witnessed not just in the continuing popularity of their original designs but also in the mass prodcution of countless imitations.

A design monograph series on the most remarkable architects, designers, brands and design movements of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, each book contains a historical-critical essay discussing the life and work of the subject, followed by an illustrated appreciation of groundbreaking work.

With his vivid imagination, wit and flair, Philippe Starck has transformed everyday objects into icons of modern design, heralding in the democratic design movement that has influenced what we buy and how we live. Among instantly recognizable classics such as the long-legged Juicy Salif lemon squeezer and the much imitated Sissi Lamp, Starck has created some of the world's most ground-breaking furniture, interiors, hotels and architecture, all of which are celebrated in this curated selection of images, accompanied by a critical essay of his life and work.

From their heritage trenches and ubiquitous check to experimental red carpet looks, the House of Burberry is known worldwide for its covetable designs.

Sophisticated, simple, and quintessentially British, Burberry is beloved for its remarkable ability to straddle tradition and innovation. The allure of the 'Burberry Girls', like Cara Delevingne, Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell, epitomizes just what Burberry is about: aspiration, elegance and grace.

Featuring an exquisite range of photographs, from finished designs to close-up details and beautifully styled shots, this book pulls back the curtain on the story behind the brand. Touching on its humble beginnings in 1856, all the way up to its current designs, this invaluable reference is the definitive word on all things Burberry.

The elegance of the Little Black Dress. The simplicity of the Breton shirt. The luxury of the fragrance. These signatures exemplify the image of Chanel.

Bringing to life the story and designs of Gabrielle Chanel, the most influential couturière in the history of fashion, Chanel in 55 Objects is an exquisite collection of bespoke illustrations and captivating text. The chic drawings depict her most iconic innovations including fashion, fragrance, jewellery and accessories, as well as the places, motifs and people that inspired her.

The Russian avant-garde of the 1920s is broadly recognised to have been Russia’s first truly original contribution to world culture. In contrast, Soviet design of the post-war period is often dismissed as hack-work and plagiarism that resulted in a shabby world of commodities. This book offers a new perspective on the history of Soviet design by focusing on the notion of the comradely object as an agent of progressive social relations that state-sponsored Soviet design inherited from the avant-garde. It introduces a shared history of domestic objects, hand-made as well as machine made, mass-produced as well as unique, utilitarian as well as challenging the conventional notion of utility. This is a study of post-avant-garde Russian productivism at the intersection of intellectual history, social history and material culture studies, an account attentive to the complexities and contradictions of Soviet design.

An electronic edition of this book is freely available under a Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND) licence.

The Independent Group is now the subject of global scholarly interest, and this book, a sequel to The Independent Group: Modernism and mass culture in Britain, 1945–59, explores the Anglo-American phenomenon from a new perspective. The Group included fine artists Magda Cordell, Richard Hamilton, Nigel Henderson, Eduardo Paolozzi and William Turnbull; architects Alison and Peter Smithson, James Stirling and Colin St John Wilson; graphic designer Edward Wright; music producer Frank Cordell; and writers Lawrence Alloway, Reyner Banham, John McHale and Toni del Renzio. This radical collective met at the ICA in London during the early 1950s, and worked with and within the new world of both the avant-garde and popular culture.

This sequel includes an in-depth discussion of the recent historiography of the Independent Group, and examines its history from an alternative perspective – that of popular culture. The themes of domestic space, Hollywood film, fashion, mass-circulation magazines, science-fiction and popular music are explored, broadening our general understanding.

Representations of British motoring provides important new insights into the established discourses of British motoring. Based on the patterns of representation that have mediated between the trade, owners and society, particularly the myths and realities generated by the advertising campaigns and motoring journals, it identifies the landmarks of change and innovation. It is not about great images as such, although some are, but particular attention has been directed towards the creative intervention of the artist-illustrators.

Part One emphasises the critical significance of the emerging concerns and aspirations of the first decade of motoring, while the two subsequent parts provide a clear understanding of how the continuity of the public debate has shaped the concepts of modern and popular motoring. The new models, motorists and motoring landscape are the central themes through which it has been possible to track the preoccupation with questions regarding speed and safety, the idea of being British, the aesthetics of the car and motoring, and the family, women and the car. As such it is a design history that redefines and extends the parameters of the history of motoring, providing an overview of the place of the motor-car and motoring in British society that is relevant to undergraduate and postgraduate studies and the motoring enthusiast.

Surfaces are often held to be of lesser consequence than ‘deeper’ or more ‘substantive’ aspects of artworks and objects. Yet it is also possible to conceive of the surface in more positive terms: as a site where complex forces meet. Surfaces can be theorized as membranes, protective shells, sensitive skins, even thicknesses in their own right. The surface is not so much a barrier to content as an opportunity for encounter: in new objects, the surface is the site of qualities of finish, texture, the site of tactile interaction, the last point of contact between object and maker, and the first point of contact between object and user.

Surface tensions includes sixteen essays that explore this theoretically uncharted terrain. The subjects range widely: domestic maintenance; avant-garde fashion; the faking of antiques; postmodern architecture and design; contemporary film costume. Of particular emphasis within the volume are textiles, which are among the most complex and culturally rich materialisations of surface. As a whole, the book provides insights into the whole lifecycle of objects, not just their condition when new.

Recounts a century of knitwear history, accompanied by archived images, stunning fashion photography and specially commissioned photographs of rare pieces.

Little Book of Yves Saint Laurent is the pocket-sized and exquisitely illustrated story of 60 years of innovative fashion design.

An enigmatic, daring and astonishingly creative designer, Yves Saint Laurent is credited with the elevation of haute couture to fine art, turning the fashion show into a spectacle of breathtaking proportions, and revolutionizing the gendered norms of womenswear.

Describing Saint Laurent’s beginnings in Algeria as a precocious boy making miniature garments from fabric scraps, Little Book of Yves Saint Laurent depicts the designer’s ascent from fashion student to the right-hand of Christian Dior. Going on to found his own fashion house in 1961, Saint Laurent created his famous "le smoking" trouser suit, brought the leather jacket to the mainstream and astounded the fashion world with his blend of elegance and artistic drama.

Little Book of Yves Saint Laurent documents the talent of a visionary creative in a perfect gift for any lover of fashion.

Symbols of rebellion – worn by skaters, punks, metalheads and surfers alike – T-shirts have dominated pop culture for decades. Featuring stunning photographs of each tee, interviews from die-hard collectors and rare treasures from celebrated designers, Cult T-Shirts is a nostalgic dive into the world of 70s and 80s rebel subcultures.

This is your invitation to the front row.  Spanning over seven decades and 300 shows, this beautiful book tells the story of the high fashion catwalk. Through this inspirational collection of fashion show invites and tales from fashion week, curator and fashion writer Iain R Webb opens a window into the world’s most exclusive fashion houses. Whether it’s dreamy romance at Givenchy, cutting-edge modernity at Alexander McQueen, floral drama at Valentino, vintage-inspired fun at Kenzo or heartfelt emotion at Yves Saint Laurent’s final haute couture show, the unique themes and styles that have graced the runway in the past 50 years are gloriously curated and described in The Fashion Show. From understated presentation to melodramatic performance, this stylish archive is your passport to the international fashion collections.

Recounts a century of jewellery history, accompanied by archived images, stunning fashion photography and specially commissioned photographs of rare pieces.

Recounts a century of handbag history, accompanied by archived images, stunning fashion photography and specially commissioned photographs of rare pieces.

Little Book of Louis Vuitton is the pocket-sized and fully illustrated story of one of the world's most luxurious fashion houses.

Louis Vuitton's monogrammed bags have been seen on the arms of celebrities and royals alike for over 150 years. From the young Louis seeking his fortune in Paris through to two world wars, the Great Depression, the Jazz Age and the Swinging Sixties, there is no era in which this most opulent of brands hasn't thrived.

Detailing the global expansion of Louis Vuitton in the 1980s, the creation of the powerful fashion conglomerate LVMH, and the appointment in 1997 of Marc Jacobs, this is the story of a transformation from luggage company to high-fashion label. Louis Vuitton's continued evolution under the creative direction of Nicolas Ghesquière and Virgil Abloh is also depicted through fabulous images and captivating text.

Little Book of Prada is the pocket-sized and beautifully illustrated story of the legendary fashion house. Understated elegance and luxury, technologically advanced fabrics and sublime originality of design are all hallmarks of the House of Prada.

In this miniature monograph, Laia Farran Graves documents the history and heritage of the brand, from the company's origins as a leather-goods manufacturer to the global fashion empire created by Miuccia Prada. Little Book of Prada explores the evolutions and innovations of the brand, as well as a design ethos informed by an interest in minimalism and contemporary art. Images of individual garments, catwalk shots and fashion photography pay tribute to one of the world's most influential fashion houses and the woman behind it, in a perfectly designed and stylish format that makes a perfect gift for any lover of fashion.

"A woman can carry a bag, but it is the shoe that carries the woman" - Christian Louboutin

Among designers of luxury shoes, there is one whose designs are instantly recognizable: Christian Louboutin. His iconic red soles can be seen everywhere from the red carpet, the silver screen and the catwalk to city streets around the world.

From his early life in Paris to the founding of his first store in 1992, and from the red carpet to his global domination of the luxury shoe market, Little Book of Christian Louboutin charts the rise of the world's most celebrated shoe designer. Images of his designs past and present are accompanied by captivating text, describing the rise and rise of the king of shoe design.

Recounts a century of shoe history, accompanied by archived images, stunning fashion photography and specially commissioned photographs of rare pieces

An inspiration to countless designers and the stomping ground of fashion's in-crowd, London is the capital of subculture.

From Mary Quant to Alexander McQueen, from punks to goths, and from Twiggy to Naomi Campbell, Little Book of London Style is the beautifully illustrated guide to the essential brands, trends and people that make up the style DNA of this unique city.

Recounts a century of fashion history, accompanied by archived images, stunning fashion photography and specially commissioned photographs of rare pieces

A stunning and thought provoking round-up of today's most interesting visual communication projects, New Graphic Design surveys the very latest work from one hundred of the world's most exciting and ground-breaking practitioners. 

This guide to contemporary graphic design not only illustrates the latest projects, from websites, apps, banner ads, packaging and infographics to exhibition design, social issue posters, corporate branding campaigns and interactive media design, but also includes in-depth interviews with the selected designers. Each designer's entry also includes detailed biographic information and a short précis on the designer's approach, written by the designers themselves. 

In addition, an introduction by the Fiells assesses the status of graphic design in our increasingly digitized world and attempts to predict its future trajectory with the advent of increasingly advanced 3D technologies and the growing erosion of traditional advertising campaign conduits. New Graphic Design is an essential guide for anyone interested in the power of visual communication, and is an absolute must-have publication for students and professional practitioners alike.

Turn your Paperscapes book into a work of art and the perfect gift.

Paperscapes London features over 50 of the city's seminal buildings. Accompanying illustrations press out of the page, transforming your book into a cityscape to treasure and display.

Described in authoritative and compelling style by Sandra Lawrence, London is by turns cutting edge and ancient, refined and gritty. The streets are lined with idiosyncratic and beautiful buildings, each with a story more fascinating than the last. More than a book, the unique format of Paperscapes London transports this city of contrasts into your hands and home.

The epicentre of classic chic and the home of haute couture, Paris is the capital of elegance.

From the iconic luxury of Chanel, Dior and Saint Laurent to the e?ortless sophistication of the typical Parisienne, the city's look is replicated the world over.

Little Book of Paris Style is the beautifully illustrated guide to the enduring looks, designers and icons that embody the city of light.

From the ashes of the Second World War came forward-thinking fashions, the likes of which had never been seen before. 

The early Forties were defined by thriftiness and practicality, a make-do-and-mend attitude in a time of war. However, the latter half of the decade saw the emergence of the traditional femininity, elegance and luxury often associated with the era. Spanning the austerity of the war years to the introduction of Dior's revolutionary New Look, this extensive survey brings together vintage photography and illustrations to follow the season-by-season fashion evolution of the Forties, providing a comprehensive overview of this period of contrasts.

1940s Fashion: The Definitive Sourcebook covers every aspect of female fashions from the decade, from lace evening gowns, tailored jackets and furs to figure-sculpting undergarments, satin negligées and scandalous bikinis, offering the most comprehensive appraisal of this age of wartime and post-war glamour. This in-depth look at the styles and trends that shaped 1940s fashion features images of the decade's most iconic stars and designers. Stylish leading ladies such as Veronica Lake, Joan Bennett and Barbara Stanwyck are included as well as designs by Dior, Lucien Lelong, Balmain and Worth.

Authored and edited by renowned design historian, Charlotte Fiell, this volume also contains an authoritative introduction by fashion historian, Emmanuelle Dirix, as well as the biographies of the key designers and fashion houses of the period.

Turn your Paperscapes book into a work of art and the perfect gift.

Paperscapes New York features over 50 of the city's seminal buildings. Accompanying illustrations press out of the page, transforming your book into a cityscape to treasure and display.

Described in authoritative and compelling style by Tom Wilkinson, History Editor of the Architectural Review, New York's imposing skyscrapers and idiosyncratic structures define the idea of the modern city. More than a book, the unique format of Paperscapes New York transports this instantly recognizable skyline into your hands and home.

To have a named after you is one of the highest accolades in fashion. Valentino Garavani is one such icon.

Since the founding of the House of Valentino in 1950s Rome, Garavani has been celebrated for the desirability of his designs. His stunning gowns in his signature Valentino Red have been sought after by the jet set for over half a century, and still signify the very epitome of red carpet glamour.

Little Book of Valentino tells the story of this most elegant of brands. Beginning with Garavani's initiation into the world of haute couture in 1950s Paris, progressing through the glittering social scene of 1970s New York and Valentino's domination of Hollywood from the 1980s to the present day, images of every dazzling era are beautifully reproduced alongside text exploring the significance of each stunning piece.

Now in its fifth edition, this comprehensive and highly illustrated edition of Sneakers spans over 300 shoes, while also giving advice on shoe care and maintenance.

'There isn't a more comprehensive source to Twenties fashion that I can think of ... An absolute must for anyone interested in Twenties fashion or art deco' Style High Club

'A source of all the styles, colours, shapes, and silhouettes of the Golden Twenties' Vogue

From the glitz and glamour of the Roaring Twenties came a fashion revolution. 

The 1920s is a decade synonymous with social change, reflected in its groundbreaking fashions: from the daring elegance of the 'New Woman' to never-before-seen silhouettes, the styles of the Roaring Twenties still capture the imagination a century later.

Sumptuously illustrated with over 500 original photographs, sketches and prints, this extensive sourcebook documents the season-by-season fashions of the Jazz Age. Follow the evolving fashion trends and uncover a fascinating analysis of the progression from haute couture to ready-to-wear in this essential handbook for all fashion historians, students and vintage enthusiasts.

Authored and edited by renowned design historian, Charlotte Fiell, this volume also contains an authoritative introduction by fashion historian Emmanuelle Dirix, as well as the biographies of the key designers and fashion houses of the period.

Little Book of Schiaparelli chronicles the work of one of history's most influential and eccentric couturiers. Endowed with a strikingly imaginative and experimental approach to fashion, Elsa Schiaparelli cultivated a combination of the witty and the surreal, the cutting edge and the elegant, from her garments and jewellery to her collaborations with Salvador Dalí, Jean Cocteau and Alberto Giacometti.

Exquisitely illustrated and expertly written, the book follows a biographical chronology detailing her life, career and primary creative themes of her work. Images of Schiaparelli's finished designs, along with close-up details and illustrations of her personal sketches, showcase the brilliance of her innovative oeuvre, and the legacy that lives on in the House of Schiaparelli to this day.

The House of Chanel is synonymous with not one, but two, iconic designers. First there was Gabrielle, and then there was Karl.

Chanel is a house known for its signatures that not only changed the course of fashion history but still resonate today – the Little Black Dress, the tweed suit, costume jewellery, Chanel No5. These signatures were inspired by Gabrielle Chanel's taste, life experience and travels – but it was Karl Lagerfeld who took these signatures and ingeniously adapted them for the twenty-first century woman. From his first days at the helm of Chanel in the 1980s, to his creative application of the Chanel logo to everything from biker boots to a space rocket, King Karl's reign at Chanel is nothing if not legendary.

Little Book of Chanel by Lagerfeld covers his most exquisite pieces, breathtaking catwalk shows and constant reinvention that have maintained Chanel as the most illustrious couture house in the world. Written by the bestselling author of Little Book of Chanel, this beautifully illustrated book is the essential guide to Lagerfeld's tenure at Chanel.

Through 100 groundbreaking dresses, The Dress traces the past and present influences and reinterpretations in clothing design.

From the Victorian crinoline to Vivienne Westwood's mini-crini of 1985, from Herve Leger's 1985 bandage dress to Christopher Kane's 2006 neon version, each landmark dress gives examples of how fashion ideas have been reborn and referenced throughout time by designers.

By making connections between designers and across decades, the book allows the reader to discover the breadth of influence in this field, the magic of inspired originality from fashion designers and an overview of fashion history.

From beaded and bias-cut to frou-frou to corseted, Chanel to Yves Saint Laurent, laced to bustled, each dress tells a fashion story through anecdotes and analysis, with historic and cross-cultural references, beautiful imagery, and immaculate referencing.

Containing the stories of four legendary fashion houses, this collectable box holds a beautiful set of covetable style guides.

Exploring four designers who exemplify elegance and high couture, these little books of fashion follow these brands from their creation, moving through their style evolutions, the key looks that define them and their impact on the fashion landscape today.

Discover the story behind the little black dress with the Little Book of Chanel, the tailoring behind Milan minimalism with Prada, the conception of the New Look with Dior and the genius behind androgynous maximalism with Gucci.

Featuring hundreds of exquisite images and text by best-selling authors, these definitive guides to luxury style are the perfect gift for any fashion lover.

In the mid- to late 1980s, rave culture developed. It influenced music, design, art, drugs, fashion, language and even the law. Originally emerging in the USA, it was refined in the UK by people who wanted to dance, party and express themselves in terms of art and music. It started in in small, sweaty clubs but such was the popularity that soon enormous Raves, with tens of thousands of people, were common.

'House' music and illegal drug ecstasy were the driving forces behind what turned into a global phenomenon. Events that started as secretive nights in underground clubs, with word-of-mouth advertising grew from one-off take-overs of unusual venues into huge open land-based events. Pager and telephonic communication became the medium of message-passing, and flyers were key to it all: informing the right people about the right place at the right time. Chelsea Berlin was there from the beginning, attending many of the now legendary events, from Club Shoom to Energy and beyond.

In Rave Art, the whole exciting movement is documented through the flyers that were handed out freely (often privately) to inform partygoers of the next venue. Flyer design became an artform, and this book contains hundreds of the most significant and rare examples from Chelsea's huge collection.

Together with personal reminiscences and quotes from famous, infamous and not-so-famous attendees, Rave Art paints a vivid picture of what is probably the last significant youth culture movement of modern times.

The Little Book of Gucci tells the story of this historic yet flourishing house, and the visionary looks that have cemented its place in fashion history.

Gucci's signature items – the belt, the bag, the loafer – transcend fleeting fashion trends, and have remained central to the house's identity into the twenty-first century. Under the stewardship of Tom Ford, Gucci epitomized the louche and mischievous 1990s aesthetic. Today, under Alessandro Michele, the brand's combination of romance and toughness is in hot demand. The Little Book of Gucci tells the story of this historic yet flourishing house, and the visionary looks that have cemented its place in fashion history./p

A collection of over 170 quotes and fascinating facts about the creative genius who gave us the Little Black Dress and Chanel No. 5

Almost 50 years after her death, Coco Chanel remains one of the world's most influential fashion designers. Her story is one of creative brilliance and innovation – she was a driving force in freeing women from the restrictive clothing they had been obliged to wear for generations. 'In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different,' Chanel would say, and throughout her life she demonstrated extraordinary passion and determination to change the world around her. 

This little book is packed with memorable facts about Coco Chanel’s life and influence, and full of quotes from the icon herself and some of the many people inspired by her. There is much wisdom to glean from Chanel's self-reflections, while her sharp wit and joie de vivre will amuse, surprise and inspire in equal measure. 

'Fashion changes, but style endures.' 

As seen on vogue.co.uk, 18 August 2017, by Julia Neel. 

'Nobody has ever told Coco Chanel what to think.' 

As seen on dailymail.co.uk, 10 September 2019, by Caroline Howe. 

'A girl should be two things: who and what she wants.' 

As seen on marieclaire.co.uk, 4 October 2016, by Mariel Reed. 

'The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.' 

As seen on harpersbazaar.com, 12 August 2017.

The iconic bags, the instantly recognizable packaging, the celebrity fans – Hèrmes is the last word in luxurious accessories.

Through the generations, Hermès have created innovative and exquisite accessories for the most glamorous customers. From their nineteenth-century saddlery workshop to 1960s Paris and beyond, Hermès has graced the arms and wardrobes of style icons from Grace Kelly and Jane Birkin to Victoria Beckham and Kim Kardashian. The Little Book of Hermès tells the story of the evolution of the House of Hermès, through beautiful illustrations of the most coveted items and authoritative text by fashion historian Karen Homer.

From the turbulence of the 1930s emerged the Golden Age of Glamour. 

Framed by two world-changing events – the economic crash of 1929 and the outbreak of the Second World War – the 1930s saw new looks emerge and thrive, despite economic and social uncertainty.

This was the decade of the bias cut, the statement shoulder, the puff sleeve, the tea dress, the fur shrug and the floor-length evening gown. It was also the era that saw Hollywood challenge Paris's fashion crown and its stars become fashion icons, signalling a new grown-up direction in womenswear design.

Packed with over 500 original photographs, illustrations and sketches from the decade, this is an essential guide for any fashion historian, student or vintage enthusiast. These classic images have been selected from popular fashion publications of the day, mail-order catalogues and Hollywood studio press shots, including material from Chic Parisien, Harper's Bazaar, Sears, La Femme Chic and film studios Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Paramount.

Authored and edited by renowned design historian, Charlotte Fiell, this volume also contains an authoritative introduction by fashion historian, Emmanuelle Dirix, as well as the biographies of the key designers and fashion houses of the period.

Why do we care so much about our homes? When did this societal phenomenon begin? Entire stores and cable channels are dedicated to the remodeling of one's home-proof that our homes are more than just walls, windows, and floors. Our homes exemplify who we are. Start with the "why" rather than the "how" when remodeling and your home will become your haven. You will experience more joy, fulfillment, and the contentment you seek.

When Bugsy Drake stepped onboard the yacht as Second Stew on Bravo’s Below Deck Med, she showed the world the magic of tablescaping. With the help of some unconventional centerpieces, a few artfully folded napkins, well-placed lighting, and a generous sprinkling of décor, tablescaping is the art of transforming a meal into an adventure that your guests will never forget. Bugsy’s gorgeous, over-the-top themes have captivated guests and earned her legions of devoted fans. Now she’s ready to share her passion and talent for creating unforgettable dining experiences, honed during nearly a decade working on the world’s most exclusive yachts and private islands.

Featuring step-by-step instructions for building your own enchanting events, The Art of Tablescaping is packed full of inventive ideas and design hacks, on-the-job stories and lessons learned. Get inspired by some of Bugsy’s most iconic tablescapes, from rustic outdoor gatherings to glam-as-all-get-out soirees, then follow her tips for getting your own party started.

You don’t need to have the superpowers of a Chief Stew to make a simple dinner party into a lasting memory—just your creativity, a sense of fun, and a few tips from the Queen of Theme herself.

This is a great gift!

A monumental work in the history of religion, the history of the book, the study of politics, and bibliographical research, this volume follows the making of the Chinese Buddhist canon from the fourth century to the digital era. Approaching the subject from a historical perspective, it ties the religious, social, and textual practices of canon formation to the development of East Asian Buddhist culture and enlivens Chinese Buddhist texts for readers interested in the evolution of Chinese writing and the Confucian and Daoist traditions.

The collection undertakes extensive readings of major scriptural catalogs from the early manuscript era as well as major printed editions, including the Kaibao Canon, Qisha Canon, Goryeo Canon, and Taisho Canon. Contributors add fascinating depth to such understudied issues as the historical process of compilation, textual manipulation, physical production and management, sponsorship, the dissemination of various editions, cultic activities surrounding the canon, and the canon's reception in different East Asian societies. The Chinese Buddhist canon is one of the most enduring textual traditions in East Asian religion and culture, and through this exhaustive, multifaceted effort, an essential body of work becomes part of a new, versatile narrative of East Asian Buddhism that has far-reaching implications for world history.