The Art and Craft of Gianni Versace [Paperback]

Claire Wilcox (Author), Valerie Mendes (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0810965976 | ISBN-13: 978-0810965973 | Publication Date: October 1, 2002

Extravagant and supersexy, the fashions of Gianni Versace (1946-1997) combined the expert craftsmanship and luxury of haute couture with the sheer creativity of the street. Instantly recognizable for their glamour quotient-who could forget Elizabeth Hurley in her slit-up-to-there "Safety-pin Dress"?-the deceptively fragile designs utilized innovative fabrics and meticulous construction to anchor their illusions. Although thoroughly modern, the clothes also drew inspiration from fine art: Versace counted Delaunay, Calder, and Klimt among his influences.

This fun, flamboyant paperback befits Versace's duality-high art mixed with media hype, delicate garments built from durable materials. The two separate sections address Versace's artistry and skill individually. Published to accompany a major exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, this colorful book celebrates the lifework and remarkable legacy of a perennially popular and highly respected designer.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A glittering retrospective of one of the 20th century's most innovative and enigmatic designers. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Claire Wilcox is curator of the exhibition Versace at the V&A. She recently curated the highly successful V&A exhibition Radical Fashion (autumn 2001) and edited the accompanying book. She is also the author of Bags (V&A Publications, 1999) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Victoria & Albert Museum (October 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810965976
• ISBN-13: 978-0810965973
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 9.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,170,780 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Retrospective, November 6, 2008

By 

Gladys Strickland (Memphis, Tennessee, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Art and Craft of Gianni Versace (Paperback)

An excellent look at the career of Gianni Versace. Published to accompany the retrospective exhibit "Versace at the V & A" which opened in the fall of 2002, the first section is a text on the art of Gianni Versace. Covering the overall themes that he showed in various collections, it is followed by photographs and detailed descriptions of the garments. There are explanations on various materials that Versace used, and how he often manipulated them to get the effect he desired. Following a section devoted to the designs of Donatella Versace, who took over after her brother's death, is a section on the craft of Versace - how he had fabric created with a specific weave, or painted, or embellished to his specifications in order to create the look he desired.

As a designer, the details about how the fabrics and designs were created is very interesting and informative. It is the photographs, however, that I enjoyed the most. Simply looking at the combinations of colors and textures that he created, the shapes he formed from various fabrics, and the unexpected details he used is a continuing inspiration to me.

5.0 out of 5 stars The Art and Craft of Gianni Versace, January 11, 2012

By 

Lilly Ford (Los Angeles , CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art and Craft of Gianni Versace (Paperback)

This is an excellent book detailing the beautiful creations of Gianni Versace.
The book was a companion to a retrospective exhibition set by the V&A museum in 2002. The book is very well made and loaded with spectacular color photos showing the pieces at their best along with close-up shots.
The book is divided into two large sections; 1) The Art: which basically showcases an exquisite selection of Versace's creations for both men and women. 2) The Craft: deals with Versace's sources of inspiration as well as displaying close-up shots revealing the unique techniques used to create the pieces.
This is a highly recommended book for all fashion enthusiasts. I just wish that someday someone would consider publishing a coffee-table monograph detailing the genius of Versace. However, until then this book fits the bill.