Friday, August 17, 2012

100 Unforgettable Dresses

100 Unforgettable Dresses
by Hal Rubenstein [746.922 Rub]

Take a trip through the last 50+ years via signature dresses and some eminent women who wore them. A wide variety of examples is included, from Grace Kelly and Jackie Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe to Grace Jones and Stevie Nicks and Phyllis Diller (whose outrageous couture has a tie to Nebraska). Rubenstein, a fashion editor, highlights such things as the cultural significance, artistic vision, and dressmaking details of the gowns, costumes, and ready-to-wear dresses that are chronicled. Photographic images abound to accompany the examples but not all are as crisp as they might be. All in all, this is a fun and somewhat fascinating read, even if the world of 'red carpet glamour' and 'high fashion' seems to be a far cry from everyday life. Two of my favorite inclusions are the "Went with the Wind" receiving gown from the Carol Burnett Show, and an optically intriguing cocktail dress by Azzedine Alaia worn by supermodel Stephanie Seymour. -- recommended by Becky W.C. - Walt Branch Library
 
[ publisher's official 100 Unforgettable Dresses web site ] | [ official Hal Rubenstein web site ]
 
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