Fabric of Dreams: Designing My Own Success [Hardcover]

Anthony Mark Hankins (Author), Debbie Markley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1998

With his clothing line available in Nordstroms, Sears, JC Penney, Dayton Hudson, Target stores, Army Air Force Post Exchanges Worldwide, and scores of other major retailers, Anthony Mark Hankins has taken the fashion world by storm. His exciting designs for everyday women's clothes regularly sell-out during his appearances on the Home Shopping Network, and represent the culmination of a determination to achieve and a limitless excitement about what he's doing. From the first dress he designed and sewed at age seven, through his education in couture in Paris, to his daring efforts to showcase his designs before reluctant executives, Hankins has always forged ahead, no matter the obstacles. Fabric of Dreams is both Hankins' personal story and his exhortation to others to pursue their ambitions. Inspiring and galvanizing, this is a great American success story told by a remarkably appealing young man.
•Showcases the best example of a new generation of charismatic and highly successful African-American entrepreneurs.
•Anthony Mark Hankins appears at least twice monthly on the Home Shopping Network.
•Tremendous cross-promotion potential with America's largest retail stores.
•Book will be featured on the hangtags of Hankins' entire clothing line for a six-month span.
•Anthony Mark Hankins will donate a portion of the proceeds to the United Negro College Fund.
•Debbie Markley is a well-known correspondent for People magazine with good contacts in the magazine and newspaper worlds.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

YA-An inspiring, easy-to-read autobiography of an African-American fashion designer. Starting early in life, constantly designing clothes, even using sheets as fabric, Hankins eventually went to the Pratt School of Design. Later, he contacted the media to assist him in obtaining money to go to the Ecole in Paris. His actions resulted in a plane ticket and a two-part story on the Today show. Once in Paris, he was admitted to the school, and got tuition money and an apprenticeship with Yves Saint Laurent. The remarkable story continued with the young man becoming the first in-house designer at J. C. Penney, apprenticing with Adrienne Vittadini, getting a spot on the Home Shopping Network, and being listed as one of the top people to monitor by Newsweek. Hankins worked harder whenever obstacles came in his way-designing not only his clothes, but also his destiny-to become the owner of a multimillion-dollar business while still in his 20s.
Bobbi Thomas Skaggs, Robinson Secondary, Fairfax County, VA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

African American Hankins has made it in the world of couture?at age 28. Here is his story.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Dutton Adult (March 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0525943293
• ISBN-13: 978-0525943297
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,457,274 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing story of success, May 4, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Fabric of Dreams: Designing My Own Success (Hardcover)

This book is outstanding! I reccomend this book to anyone who can get their hands on it. It is a true story of hard work, determination, strongness, and much more. This book is written in such a way that you feel as if you know Anthony Mark Hankins personally. I loved it!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Speak for Yourself Kirkus!, April 24, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Fabric of Dreams: Designing My Own Success (Hardcover)

In response to Kirkus Reviews, why wouldn't consumers want to know about a designer of such determination and talent? It's like your saying because AMH is young and not yet as common a household name as Calvin Klein that his life and accomplishments don't deserve recognition. His story has given many aspiring designers, myself included the confidence to reach for their dreams.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A sincere story that expresses success is from the heart!, April 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Fabric of Dreams: Designing My Own Success (Hardcover)

With today's society, it often seems that we have little to do with our destiny. In this book, Hankins descibes a clear interpretation of his life. He also shares his commitment to success without compromising his integrity. This is a rare find in the world of business!!! The book is written from a sincere and personal aspect which allows the reader to feel as if the opportunity to know Hankins is contained in these pages. Delightful and inspiring describe the overall feel of the text. Highly recommend to read if you desire to make a career of design your goal. Hankins set the goal and achieved it, thus proving his participation in creating his destiny. He continues to 'raise the bar' in his career from what I have seen. Look forward to the sequel!!!!