Customer Reviews

Kenneth Jay Lane Fabulous

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Why I didn't like this book: I am a serious fan of KJL jewelry and was really looking forward to this book, but was disappointed with "Fabulous." The big thing you need to know about this book is that it focuses on the jewelry from the KJL QVC TV Shopping Channel Collection for about 90% of the book. The rest of the book is pics of new/recent KJL home accessory items, picture frames, napkin rings, a purse or two, etc., that serve as advertising more than anything else. I never saw this distinction mentioned anywhere in print or reviews of this book before I purchased it. If you are looking for info on the early work of KJL, and the work he did exclusively for major department stores during the last three-plus decades, this is not the book for you. I am always hungry for pictures of older KJL work I have never seen, and I guess I will have to continue to hope a truly comprehensive KJL book comes along.

Why you might like this book: The jewelry KJL has done, and continues to produce for QVC is - well, I can't say anything bad about it. I just don't consider it to be on the same scale as the early, vintage pieces. The photos in "Fabulous" are well done and the jewelry is organized by year, so it is easy to use as a reference book. The QVC collection is well represented but obviously the entire collection couldn't be shown in one book. There are a few instances where a little more info on the individual pieces of jewelry would have helped. There is some text; there are photos of KJL out and about with NYC society. I think that aspect is covered to the full extent it needs be. If you want to review what Kenneth Jay Lane has done for QVC (to see what is/isn't in your own collection, to date your QVC pieces) this book would be helpful.

SAVE YOUR MONEY-
LOTS OF PICTURES, BUT NO INFORMATION AS IN THE OTHER BOOK "SHAMELESSLY" SHOWING OTHER JEWELRY BY KJL

Costume jewelry designer Kenneth Jay Lane has created high-fashion styles for over forty years for royalty, first ladies and movie stars: this new book profiles his many designs, packing in over 700 color photos to accompany a survey of the vintage and current styles he's developed - including his accessories and handbags. Close-up color photos accompany descriptions and background history, making for an outstanding pick for any collection strong in jewelry making history and designer biographies.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch