Big Dress Energy: new in fashion & beauty

Get inspired by our latest fashion and beauty arrivals. We have new books on creative makeup, sustainable fashion and natural fibres, the history of skirts and a look at the past of iconic menswear pieces. We’re especially excited about Africa in Fashion, which looks at Africa’s rich cultural heritage and showcases dynamic African fashion brands and Big Dress Energy, a makeover for more than just your wardrobe. Take a look and channel your own big dress energy!

Big dress energy : how fashion psychology can transform your wardrobe and your confidence / Forbes-Bell, Shakaila
“In this unique and transformational style guide, fashion psychologist Shakaila Forbes-Bell explores how our wardrobe acts as an extension of our identity and offers practical advice on how we can harness the principles of fashion psychology to upgrade our look – and dress in a way that feels completely authentic. From insight on how to tap into the protective power of clothes, curating a wardrobe that lasts and turning your makeup, skincare and haircare routines into legitimate forms of self-care, Big Dress Energy will invite you to see your style in a new light so that you can leave the house feeling inspired, happier and more confident. It’s about damn time!” (Adapted from catalogue)

Sundressed : natural fibres and the future of fashion / Tonti, Lucianne
“Fashion is ready for a revolution. Many brands claim to be ‘sustainable’, but they are not. Far too many clothes are produced – and in ways that harm the Earth. The solution? Regenerative farming of natural fabrics such as cotton, wool, flax and cashmere. In this original and superbly written book, Lucianne Tonti takes readers to the farms and fashion houses that are creating a truly eco-friendly industry. Sundressed reaches out to anyone with an awareness of climate change and a love of beautiful, lasting garments. It brings us back to the wild – where true fashion is born.” (Adapted from catalogue)

The rebel’s wardrobe : the untold story of menswear’s renegade past / Szabo, Bryan
“An entertaining exploration of trend-immune fashion classics and the surprising origins of your everyday clothing items. The Rebel’s Wardrobe unpacks the modern menswear lexicon and reveals, for example, why the Carhartt jacket designed for railroad workers became synonymous with skaters and graffiti artists, and how polo shirts made the leap from middle-class tennis clubs to British Mods. Traversing genres and styles, this book goes back to the gestation period of iconic pieces and shows how they became timeless classics that transcended fashion.” (Adapted from catalogue)

Africa in fashion : luxury, craft and textile heritage / Nimo, Ken Kweku
“Africa in Fashion explores the kaleidoscope of craft cultures that have shaped African fashion for centuries and captures the intriguing stories of contemporary and avant-garde African brands. Part One looks at Africa’s rich cultural heritage and place in the network of global fashion. Part Two ushers the reader into the spectacular world of African fashion today. It showcases a carefully curated set of the continent’s most dynamic brands and, through interviews with prominent and inspiring designers, offers rare insight into their ethos and design practice.” (Adapted from catalogue)

Creative makeup : a step-by-step guide to expressive makeup from fantasy to full illusion / Duffy, Rachel
“Learn how to create the most incredible make-up looks from an expert in creative make-up, make-up artist (MUA), Rachel Duffy. This collection of techniques and tutorials will explain everything you need to know about creative make-up whether you are an aspiring MUA, a make-up student or someone who enjoys make-up as a creative outlet. Your creative make-up play time starts here–you just have to let your creativity flow!” (Adapted from catalogue)

Skirts : fashioning modern femininity in the twentieth century / Chrisman-Campbell, Kimberly
“In a sparkling, beautifully illustrated social history, Skirts traces the shifting roles of women over the twentieth century through the era’s most iconic and influential dresses.  At once an authoritative work of history and a delightfully entertaining romp through decades of fashion, Skirts charts the changing fortunes, freedoms, and aspirations of women themselves”– Provided by publisher.” (Adapted from catalogue)

Fashion reimagined : themes and variations, 1760-now / Carlano, Annie
“This book was published in conjunction with the exhibition Fashion Reimagined: Themes and Variations 1760 – NOW, organized by The Mint Museum, Charlotte, North Carolina”– Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)

Creative inspirations to kick off the New Year: New hobbies and craft books

As we usher in the New Year, seize that fresh opportunity and reclaim the promise of a more creative life. Get excited for your first easy weekend makes as we round up this month’s crafts and hobbies books! We think you’ll find a project below to uplift your spirits and enhance the comfort of your home — whether you choose to practice mindfulness through the ancient art of Japanese calligraphy, or prefer to read about cherished travel stories captured in intricate crochet patterns. Also included, some more general inspiration. Have a browse!

Shodo : the practice of mindfulness through the ancient art of Japanese calligraphy / Takeda, Rie
“The ancient Japanese art of calligraphy is more than just a decorative skill; it is a revolutionary approach to mindfulness. This book is a beautiful introduction to Shodo, which shows how the movement of a brush channels energy through the body and mind, uniting both in harmony. What results on the paper is a true depiction of the present moment, a movement towards a more peaceful mindfulness. Shodo expert and professional calligrapher Rie Takeda shares the history, philosophy and craft of Shodo. Decorated throughout with her stunning art, Takeda begins with the basic brushstrokes, and builds up to drawing complete kanji, beautifully nuanced in both appearance and meaning. ” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Crochet journey : a global crochet adventure from the guy with the hook / Roseboom, Mark
“Crochet Journey: Crocheting and travelling… these two passions have been brought together by talented designer Mark Roseboom — aka The Guy with the Hook — in this exquisite crochet book. Mark has traveled extensively in the last ten years. He has seen and learned from the different cultures, religions and ways of life. Travelling made him the person he is today. And it’s the same with crochet. Each design in the book is inspired by a cherished memory and takes you on an adventure through the wonderful world of crochet. The patterns feature full written instructions in US crochet terms, charts, and Mark’s tips for success. ” (Adapted from Catalogue)

The complete beginner’s guide to embroidery : everything you need to start creating today
“In Beginner’s Guide to Embroidery, you can experience this for yourself. Regardless of if you’re a needlework novice or a seasoned sewer, we’ve laid out all the tools and techniques you need to get started.” (Catalogue)

P.S.– we made this : super fun crafts that grow smarter + happier kids / Domesek, Erica
“A concise set of easy-to-construct crafts for parents to create with their children. Working with childhood play and learning professional Laura Felt, Domesek includes crafts that are marked with codes to show the cognitive, physical, or social-emotional skills the activities emphasize. Most of the projects involve materials easily found around the house [and] incorporate ideas for expanded elements of play and participant improvisation”–Library Journal.” (Catalogue)

Dress code : unlocking fashion from the new look to millennial pink / Hyland, Véronique
“Everything–from societal changes to the progress (or lack thereof) of women’s rights to the hidden motivations behind what we choose to wear to align ourselves with a particular social group–can be tracked through clothing. Veronique Hyland examines thought-provoking questions such as: Why has the “French girl” persisted as our most undying archetype? What does “dressing for yourself” really mean for a woman? How should a female politician dress? Will gender-differentiated fashion go forever out of style? How has social media affected and warped our sense of self-presentation, and how are we styling ourselves expressly for it?” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Karl Lagerfeld unseen : the Chanel years / Fairer, Robert
“”Casting a new light on one of the best-loved chapters in fashion history, ‘Karl Lagerfeld Unseen: The Chanel Years’ illuminates key Chanel collections and creations from behind the scenes. From discreet client fittings in rue Cambon’s immaculate black-and-beige salons to previously unseen backstage moments that show models, hairdressers, stylists, make-up artists and Karl Lagerfeld himself at work, Robert Fairer’s stunning and high-energy photographs capture the elegance, glamour and spirit that defined Karl Lagerfeld’s shows for Chanel.”–Publisher’s website.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Warm up with New Crafts and Hobbies Books

Winter is upon us and the atua Tāwhirimātea is making his presence known with a series of thunderstorms and biting wind chill in the last couple of weeks. As we say goodbye to barbecues and frolicking on a beach, what better way to usher in this new season than to get lost on a passion project at the comfort of your home!

Thinking of making a pair of your own simple slouchy socks for your cold feet but don’t know where to start? Tracy Lord’s “A Beginner’s Guide to Knitting: a complete step-by-step course” has 20 workshops and corresponding projects to put your knitting into practice. Likewise, packed with more than 100 patterns with fresh themes ranging from galaxies to terrariums “Fun & Funky Cross Stitch: 160+ Designs, 5 Alphabets, 30 Bonus Gift Ideas” is a must-have on your winter hobby list.

For those keen to learn about fabric craft, the book “Furoshiki : The Japanese art of wrapping with fabric” by Aurélie Le Marec invites you to discover the benefit of this ancient Japanese art of folding and knotting a fabric to carry all kinds of items (guitar case, anyone?). With over 50 projects to try, this creative and versatile craft could be part of your journey to a greener lifestyle. If you find yourself dabbling in flower arranging, don’t let this winter season stop you from enjoying the beauty fresh flowers evoke. Two books in our collection this month, “Floral Evolution: Over 20 displays that make the most of every stem” and “The Little Flower Recipe Book” provide practical guide, step-by-step instructions, along with stunning photographs for budding florists on a budget.

Other titles in this month’s selection includes “The Fashion Show : The stories, invites and art of 300 landmark shows” .  This pink and gold colour motif book is a window to over 50 years of  fashion’s exclusive printed art invitations. In “Anna: the Biography”, author Amy Odell delights us about Vogue magazine editor Anna Wintour’s rise to become one of fashion industry’s most powerful women. So curl up with a cup of tea and spice up your winter night with intriguing tales from one of catwalk’s most important figures.

A beginner’s guide to knitting : a complete step-by-step course / Lord, Tracey
“Presents a step-by-step guide to stitches and techniques, from knit and purl to Fair Isle, and includes twenty beautiful projects to make.” (Catalogue)

 

 

 

Fun & funky cross stitch : 160+ designs, 5 alphabets, 30 bonus gift ideas.
“Hand stitch funky designs! Stitch an eclectic collection of funky designs from top cross stitch artists around the world. Includes a beginners guide to the basic stitches, the stitch chart, and supplies lists. Each design has a skill level suggestion and an estimated time of completion”–Page 4 of cover.” (Catalogue)

 

Furoshiki : the Japanese art of wrapping with fabric / Le Marec, Aurélie
“Furoshiki is a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth, and is used to wrap gifts and create bags for carrying things more easily. There is no sewing involved and, using just a square of fabric, Aurélie Le Marec shows you how to wrap all kinds of items from books to guitars and laptops to wine bottles. You can adapt furoshiki to suit items of all shapes and sizes and, with more than 50 furoshiki folds explained with step-by-step illustrations and clear instructions, you can help to reduce waste by making furoshiki part of your everyday life.” (Adapted from catalogue)

Floral evolution : over 20 displays that make the most of every stem / Foxwell, Catherine
“Author Catherine Foxwell believes that the flowers and beautiful arrangements should be accessible to all, and this book takes you through some simple projects using sustainable techniques to achieve this. She uses readily available, inexpensive flowers in straightforward projects that teach you how to repurpose the bloom into four different displays. With this step-by-step, extremely accessible approach, anyone can arrange blooms like a pro.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

The little flower recipe book : 148 tiny arrangements for every season & occasion / Rizzo, Jill
“Beloved florist Jill Rizzo is back, and this time she has turned her attention to charming miniature arrangements. Projects are organized seasonally, and range from a thimble-sized vase of pansies to a tiny teacup holding a bundle of zinnias to a bud vase with a single Japanese anemone. All told, the book contains over 100 easy-to-follow recipes: ingredients lists specify the type and quantity of blooms needed; clear instructions detail each step; and hundreds of photos show how to place every stem.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

The fashion show : the stories, invites and art of 300 landmark shows / Webb, Iain R
“The story of the haute couture catwalk, through an exclusive collection of VIP invitations. Spanning over 45 years and 300 shows, each invite opens a window into the key trends and ideas behind each collection.” (Catalogue)

 

 

Anna : the biography / Odell, Amy
“This definitive biography of legendary fashion journalist and media mogul Anna Wintour follows her journey from the trendy fashion scene of swinging 1960s London to becoming the editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine.” (Catalogue)

 

 

 

Chanel, Shoes and Fairytales – Fashion picks for August

Immerse yourself in fashion with our new picks for August – we have shiny new volumes on Chanel, shoes and fairytales, as well as an in-depth look at how the Second World War shaped and influenced women’s fashion.

Syndetics book coverChanel catwalk : the complete Karl Lagerfeld collections / introductionby Patrick Mauriès.
“Ever since his first show for the house in 1983, Karl Lagerfeld’s Chanel collections have consistently made headlines and dictated trends the world over. For the first time, every Chanel collection ever created by Lagerfeld is here gathered in a single volume – a unique opportunity to chart the development of one of the world’s most influential fashion brands and discover rarely seen collections. A treasure trove of inspiration, this richly illustrated publication will be the must-have reference for all fashion professionals and Chanel obsessives.” (Syndetics summary)

Syndetics book coverFashion on the ration : style in the Second World War / Julie Summers ; in partnership with Imperial War Museums.
“In September 1939, just three weeks after the outbreak of war, Gladys Mason wrote briefly in her diary about events in Europe: ‘Hitler watched German siege of Warsaw. City in flames.’ And, she continued, ‘Had my wedding dress fitted. Lovely.’For Gladys Mason, and for thousands of women throughout the long years of the war, fashion was not simply a distraction, but a necessity – and one they weren’t going to give up easily. In the face of bombings, conscription, rationing and ludicrous bureaucracy, they maintained a sense of elegance and style with determination and often astonishing ingenuity. As a nation went into uniform and women took on traditional male roles, clothing and beauty began to reflect changing social attitudes. For the first time, fashion was influenced not only by Hollywood and high society but by the demands of industrial production and the pressing need to ‘make-do-and-mend’. Beautifully illustrated and full of gorgeous detail, Fashion on the Ration lifts the veil on a fascinating era in British fashion.” (adapted from syndetics summary)

Syndetics book coverMoreschi : the Italian art of shoemaking : works of art in leather / edited by Christina Morozzi ; text, Christina Morozzi.
“An exclusive look inside the world of Moreschi, one of the world’s most prestigious shoemakers. Moreschi is renowned for its exacting standards and unique style, and for producing each and every pair on-site, from the arrival of the leather to boxing and dispatching to stores. The art of shoemaking is detailed throughout this richly illustrated book. Through conversations with the founder, the artisans’ memories, and pictures of dozens of the factory’s creations, a story unfolds that confirms the vast heritage of artisan culture that lies behind Italian production.” (Syndetics summary)

Syndetics book coverFairy tale fashion / Colleen Hill.
“Dress plays a crucial role in fairy tales, signalling the status, wealth, or vanity of particular characters, and symbolizing their transformation. This is the first book to examine the history, significance, and imagery of classic fairy tales through the lens of high fashion. A comprehensive introduction to the topic of fairy tales and dress is followed by a series of short essays on thirteen stories. Generously illustrated, these stories are creatively and imaginatively linked to examples of clothing by Comme des Garc¸ons, Dolce and Gabbana, Charles James, and Alexander McQueen, among many others.” (adapted from syndetics summary)

Syndetics book coverSmart textiles for designers : inventing the future of fabrics / Rebeccah Pailes-Friedman.
“Smart Textiles for Designers introduces the different qualities and properties that can be embedded in, integrated with, and applied to fabrics, and looks at the different contexts in which these smart textiles can be used. A survey of specific fabrics grouped by properties provides a core reference section and a palette for the designer to work from. The book also examines five different design approaches and features interviews with leading designer and design teams, showing their processes and working methods. The first book to look at smart textiles through the eyes of a designer, this is both a core reference work and an inspirational guide for students and professionals alike.” (Syndetics summary)

Syndetics book coverSublime elegance : the timeless charm of evening gowns / text by Maria Maccari.
“These evening gowns made history–influencing the worlds of fashion, entertainment, and contemporary culture. Splendid images capture the rich detail of the fabrics and the evolution of styles and trends in women’s formal wear. These sublimely elegant dresses electrified the spectators at leading fashion shows and glittered at celebrity events. Organized by fabric color, these gowns will take readers on a kaleidoscopic journey into haute couture.” (Syndetics summary)

Syndetics book coverThe art of dressing curves : the best-kept secrets of a fashion stylist / Susan Moses with Jelani Bandele ; foreword by Emme.
“The Art of Dressing Curves gives plus-size women the confidence and know-how to dress beautifully for their particular body shape. From foundation garments to wardrobe essentials to hair and makeup, Susan dispenses advice on every aspect of dressing well for one’s shape, size, and personality, insight supplemented by a wealth of elegant editorial photographs, anecdotes, tips, and sidebars, as well as lists of specialty retailers, designers, and websites that cater to plus-size.” (adapted from syndetics summary)

NZIFF: Fashion Picks for August

This year’s New Zealand International Film Festival brings us two swoon-worthy fashion films – Dior and I and Yves Saint LaurentTo celebrate this auspicious occasion, we’ve compiled a selection of books and DVDs all about these two fashion greats for your perusal. With a selection of old favourites and glossy new titles, there’s something to suit everyone.

Syndetics book coverDior, the legendary images : great photographers and Dior / edited by Florence Müller ; preface by Jean-Paul Claverie ; English translation: Gail de Courcy-Ireland.
“Published to accompany the Dior and Fashion Photography exhibition presented at the Musée Christian Dior in Granville, France, this lavish volume presents a wealth of gorgeous photographs that bring the character of the couturier’s dresses to life, with each photographer interpreting them in his or her unique style. Legendary contributors include Horst P. Horst, Richard Avedon, Irving Penn, Cecil Beaton, Norman Parkinson, Henry Clarke, William Klein, Helmut Newton, Guy Bourdin, Sarah Moon, Paolo Roversi, Nick Knight, Ines Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin, Tim Walker, Willy Vanderperre, Patrick Demarchelier, and many more. Stunning, glamorous, and iconic, Dior and Fashion Photography exemplifies how the haute couture house transcended fashion to enter the realm of legend.” – adapted from amazon.com

Syndetics book coverYves Saint Laurent
“A dazzling portrait of Yves Saint Laurent and his world of fashion over the last twenty-five years of his career, by legendary pioneer of backstage fashion photography, Roxanne Lowit. Yves Saint Laurent is a name synonymous with style, elegance, and high fashion. When he came on the scene at Dior and then started his own line, he quickly changed the way people regardedhaute couture and the world of fashion itself. He revolutionized women’s eveningwear when he introduced le smoking, a woman’s tuxedo, and made couture accessible to a younger generation.Yves Saint Laurentis Roxanne Lowit’s personal photographic history of Saint Laurent, the man and the fashion, from 1978, the year she first met him, to the last show he gave in 2002. Lowit shares magical moments of YSL with the world–intimate, social, absorbed in fashion–and creates a unique portrait of this towering figure of postwar couture.” – adapted from amazon.com

Syndetics book coverSerge Lutens : Berlin à Paris / edited by Nagel Patrick.
“One of the world’s most famous stylists and photographers, and perfume creator par excellence, Serge Lutens was the creative genius behind the cosmetics of Christian Dior. Born in Lille, he moved to Paris, where he was hired by Vogue to create make up” – Library catalogue.
“This book focuses on Serge Lutens’ years working for Dior 1967-1977, offering previously unpublished material.” – amazon.com

Syndetics book coverA queer history of fashion : from the closet to the catwalk / edited by Valerie Steele ; introduction by Hal Rubinstein ; contributions by Christopher Breward, Shaun Cole, Vicki Karaminas, Peter McNeil, Elizabeth Wilson.
“From Christian Dior to Yves Saint Laurent and Alexander McQueen, many of the greatest fashion designers of the past century have been gay. Fashion and style have played an important role within the LGBTQ community, as well, even as early as the 18th century. This provocative book looks at the history of fashion through a queer lens, examining high fashion as a site of gay cultural production and exploring the aesthetic sensibilities and unconventional dress of LGBTQ people, especially since the 1950s, to demonstrate the centrality of gay culture to the creation of modern fashion. Sumptuous illustrations include both fashion photography and archival imagery”– Provided by publisher.

L’amour fou [videorecording] / Les Films du Lendemain and Les Films de Pierre present a film by Pierre Thoretton.
“A documentary on the relationship between fashion designer Yves Saint-Laurent and his lover, Pierre Berge.” – library catalogue.

Syndetics book coverParis 1962 : Schatzberg : Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Dior : the early collections / photographs by Jerry Schatzberg.
“A creator of poetic images and a compelling storyteller, Jerry Schatzberg has, over the past four decades, excelled in both photography and filmmaking. In the 1960s Schatzberg’s photographs in Vogue, Life, Esquire, and Glamour set a new standard for fashion photography, while his portraits documented the generation’s most notable artists, celebrities, and thinkers, from Bob Dylan to Robert Rauschenberg. In the 1970s he turned his attention to the medium of film. Directing classic movies including The Panic in Needle Park, starring Al Pacino, and Scarecrow, for which he won the Palme d’Or at Cannes.”–Book jacket.

Syndetics book coverThe beautiful fall : fashion, genius, and glorious excess in 1970s Paris / Alicia Drake.
“In 1954 they were two young talents from the provinces, both dreaming of Paris, glamour and glory. Yves Saint Laurent was the charmed youth, the enfant terrible inheritor of Dior’s couture crown, his frame almost too slight to bear his genius. Karl Lagerfeld was the flamboyant freelance designer with a remarkable talent for ready-to-wear. Seemingly from a background of enormous wealth and privilege, he was in fact a tireless workaholic, driven by his passion for capturing the pose of the moment Each designer created his own mesmerising world, a world vivid and seductive enough to pull people to them – people attracted by their power, charisma and fame. The two cliques could not help but become rivals. “The Beautiful Fall” is Alicia Drake’s chronicle of this dangerous, brazen, fabulous time, and the two designers who were its essence and remain its most singular survivors.”– Adapted from the book jacket.

Prêt-à-porter [videorecording] / a Robert Altman film.
“In Moscow, Sergei purchases two Dior ties, one of which Olivier de la Fontaine, head of the French Fashion Council, receives. He visits his lover, fashion designer Simone Lowenthal, and then dies choking on a ham sandwich. Fashion reporters converge on Paris for the ready to wear fashion shows and schemes and intrigues ensue among them and the designers. De la Fontaine’s death turns out to be an accident. Lowenthal expresses her contempt for the fashion scene by ending her show with nude models.” – Library catalogue

Wellington Fashion Week 2014

Big news! Wellington Fashion Week kicked off yesterday in superb style, with two exhibitions showcasing the best of New Zealand’s fashion design and photography. Events are set to continue tonight with the very first of this year’s runway shows, and will run until this Sunday 13 April. If you’re wanting to know more about the designers who will be showing, then look no further.

Syndetics book coverSpeaking for themselves : ex-pats have their say / Jan Morgan.
This book features a number of well-known New Zealanders speaking about their own experiences of living away from home, and includes a candid chat with premiere fashion designer Dame Trelise Cooper, who was very recently invested as a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to fashion. Her AW14 collection will be shown tonight, in one of the first official runway shows of WFW 2014.

Syndetics book coverNew Zealand fashion design / by Angela Lassig ; with an introduction by Peter Shand and a foreword by Hilary Alexander.
This big, beautiful volume profiles a number of New Zealand fashion designers, including Trelise Cooper and WORLD, both of whom are showing this week.

Syndetics book coverLady Luck : conversations with creative New Zealand women / by Mariana Collette & Lisette Prendergast ; photography by Susannah Tucker ; illustrations by Connie McDonald ; design by Ceire Hopley.
Among the many creative women featured in this new book is the sister duo behind local Wellington label Love Hotel, who are showing their AW14 collection this weekend. This book is full of whimsy and charm – keep an eye out for the very pretty illustrations!

Syndetics book coverThe dress circle : New Zealand fashion design since 1940 / Lucy Hammons, Douglas Lloyd Jenkins, Claire Regnault.
Detailing New Zealand fashion design from the 1940s to today’s contemporary designers, this book is a must for anyone with an interest in New Zealand labels and fashion design.

Syndetics book coverHome sewn : with patterns from 10 leading New Zealand designers.
“Profiles 10 leading New Zealand designers, each of whom share a pattern from one of their stunning collections. With gorgeous colour photographs, simple instructions and how-to tutorials, Home Sewn gives you the tools you need to create your own designer garment at home.” (Library catalogue)

Syndetics book coverWise heart : 10 strategies for success in business & life / Annah Stretton.
Written by kiwi fashion designer and entrepreneur Annah Stretton, this book gives tips for achieving greater success in business and life in general. Annah Stretton’s AW14 collection is hitting the runway at WFW this evening.