Design Recent Picks
December 2010
The underlined titles will take you directly to our catalogue.
Some featured items are linked via a book cover to enable you to read more reviews.
Cartier at Prague Castle : the power of style / [Eva Eisler, curator].
"Regularly displayed in major exhibitions at the most prestigious and internationally renowned museums, the Cartier Collection reflects the evolution of Cartier's artistic and stylistic creation. "Cartier: The Power of Style" features over 350 historical jewels, time pieces, and luxury objects and offers insight into the royal jeweler's treasures and the sources of inspiration that led to the creation of these magnificient works of art. This handsome volume traces 160 years in the glorious history of the Maison Cartier -accessories, masterpieces of jewelry and watchmaking from the end of the nineteenth century to the present day. These rare pieces, in addition to exclusive archival images, and darawings, are presented by curator Eva Eisler, who provides a unique view on the Cartier Collection through her historical and stylistic approach to the pieces." (Syndetics summary)
Owen Jones / [text by Abraham Thomas].
"The Victoria and Albert Museum, London, is the world's greatest museum of art and design, with a vast collection that been an unparalleled resource for designers for 150 years. This new series of pattern books presents the range of the V&A's superb collections. Beautifully designed, accessible, and informative- perhaps a little quirky - they are a repository of ideas for designers of all kinds, but also a collection of desirable gift books. Included in each volume is a CD of all the images shown within--to be redrawn, reworked, or even licensed for further use. The books are available individually or in a beautiful decorative slipcase. "Owen Jones" features the full breadth of the Victorian designer's work, from his passion for Islamic decoration to his world-famous designs from his seminal publication "The Grammar of Ornament." The gorgeous book includes a short text on Jones (1809-1874) followed by 60 images." (Syndetics summary)
20th century travel : 100 years of globe-trotting ads = 100 Jahre Reisewerbung = 100 ans de pubs de voyage / Allison Silver ; [edited by] Jim Heimann ; [German translation, Helmut Ross ; French translation, Claire Le Breton].
"A lush visual history of America's wanderlust, this volume features 400 print advertisements from the Jim Heimann Collection, which illustrate the evolution of leisure travel and its crucial role in American culture." (Syndetics summary)
Designs for small spaces / Jennifer Hudson.
"Small space living is no longer a lifestyle choice but a necessity in most cities, where property is expensive and space is at a premium. Designs for Small Spaces brings together over 500 cleverly designed products suitable for small spaces, and includes full details on where the products can be sourced." (Syndetics summary)
Alabama Studio style : more projects, recipes & stories celebrating sustainable fashion & living / Natalie Chanin ; photography by Robert Rausch ; illustrations by Alli Coate ; recipes by Angie Mosier.
"In "Alabama Studio Style," Natalie Chanin, founder and creative director of the acclaimed fashion and lifestyle company Alabama Chanin, takes readers on a compelling journey of creativity, technique, and inspiration. Picking up where the celebrated "Alabama Stitch Book "left off, "Alabama Studio Style" is a craft and lifestyle book all in one. Here Chanin shares many more of her stitching, stenciling, and beading methods and applies them to twenty extraordinary clothing and home decor projects, each made with organic or recycled materials and designed with "haute homespun" flair. Along with the company's celebrated camisole and tank dresses, the featured projects include skirts, scarves, pillows, woven chair seats, and a stenciled scrap-wood table. Rounding out the book are recipes for three delicious party menus. "Alabama Studio Style "shows us that true style encompasses not only what we wear, how we decorate, and what we eat, but also how we care for our environment." (Syndetics summary)
The new age of feminine drawing.
"The New Age of Feminine Drawing demonstrates clearly how and why illustration in fashion has made an amazing comeback. Having virtually reached saturation point, photography is no longer the all-powerful medium of creativity, and has once again given way to the age old art of drawing. The drawings featured in this exciting new title represent many different styles and a broad cross section of artists. All works featured have one thing in common: they possess a uniquely feminine power of seduction. Categories covered include magazine covers, posters, cosmetic advertisements, lifestyle advertisements and entertainment products. Artists featured include Akari Inogouchi, Annika Wester, Carine Brancowitz, Cecilia Carlstedt, Cedric Rivrain, Christina K. Coco, Elisa Johns, Laura Laine, Lotie, Maren Esdar, Jarno Kettunen and more." (Syndetics summary)
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