Madeleine Vionnet [Hardcover]

Pamela Golbin (Editor), Patrick Gries (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 8, 2009

Famous for the "bias cut," Madeleine Vionnet’s sophisticated approach to couture remains a pervasive influence today. Eschewing artificial and restrictive padding and stiffening, she liberated the female form with designs that integrated movement and comfort into women’s fashion. She also championed unusual fabrics that were luxurious and sensual yet simple and modern—chiffon, silk, crêpe de chine, gabardine, and satin. Her most revolutionary creations—the handkerchief dress, cowl neck, and halter top—cling to and seamlessly move with the wearer. Vionnet’s principles of elegance, movement, architectural form, and timeless style continue to inform contemporary fashion. This lavishly illustrated book showcases Vionnet’s daringly original designs worn by 80 internationally famous models photographed especially for this book alongside original patterns and archival images by such icons as Horst and Steichen.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The tome of the season Vionnet is an absolutely stunning visual collection of the couture architect & icon in a captivating curation by the Musee des Arts Decoratiffs curator in chief Pamela Golbin." ~LePetiteBlog.com

About the Author

Pamela Golbin is curator at the Museé des Arts Décoratifs in Paris and author of Valentino: Themes and Variations. Patrick Gries is one of France’s most celebrated photographers, covering everything from fashion to natural history.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Rizzoli (September 8, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0847832783
• ISBN-13: 978-0847832781
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 1.3 x 13.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #798,147 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Pretty, but lacking, September 26, 2010

By 

Xine - See all my reviews

This review is from: Madeleine Vionnet (Hardcover)

Madeleine Vionnet is my favorite designer of all time, and I purchased this book as a special treat. Have to say I was disappointed in my first pass through the book. And my second pass. I have not finished reading the text, but the bulk of the book (the images) left much to be desired.

The modern photography is crisp, the detail shots stunning. But too many dark colored garments are photographed against a dark background, or overly dramatic lighting is used, and detail is lost. It's the photos from the designer's own registration albums that are the treasures. They are frequently blurred, but to see the garments on human figures with period hairstyles, makeup, and body language is a treat--some are shot in front of mirrors, so details from many angles are recorded. The real disappointment is the original sketches that are sometimes included facing the dramatic real garment shots. The sketches have been reduced to just over 2" tall, so, again, much of the original detail is lost. And the text describing the materials used, the date, the source of the photos is MINISCULE.

Too few garments are shown flat. Exactly two, in fact. Considering that Vionnet's genius is the draping of geometric shapes on the human form with astonishing results, this is an odd oversight. The collection of images come across like an exhibition catalog.

I have Betty Kirke's book Madeleine Vionnet, and it remains one of my most treasured things. Pictures of garments are paired with *patterns* and textual analysis of the geometric forms being explored. This book suffers badly in comparison.

If you're really interested in draping extraordinary garments, choose Betty Kirke's book over this one. If you just want a coffee table book of pretty dresses, this is the one for you.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars PERFECT!!, October 30, 2010

By 

L. Blake (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Madeleine Vionnet (Hardcover)

I was lucky enough to see this exhibit in Paris 2 summers ago.

Seeing a comprehensive body of work from my all time favorite designer was overwhelming. AND...the publisher did an extraordinary job in documenting for this book. A true "must-have" for draping enthusiasts! Gorgeous.....pages and pages of beautiful work.

5.0 out of 5 stars Madeleine Vionnet, February 12, 2012

By 

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

This review is from: Madeleine Vionnet (Hardcover)

This is a beautiful book showing Madeleine Vionnet's stunning creations at their best.
The book is full of stylish color photos depicting the pieces in their preserved condition, each dress gets multiple shots along with archival images showing the dresses on real models back at the day. There are also some Sketches along with the photos, and each photo has brief captions giving information about the piece and it's date. The book also starts with three chapters narrating the history of Madeleine Vionnet, the social background of her times, as well as her methods and techniques. The book ends with some testimonies by those who collaborated with her along with a complete chronology of her life. Highly recommended.