Customer Reviews

Shoes: A Lexicon of Style

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This stylish book has more of a contemporary focus than most books on shoes, making it a "must-have" even if you already have several shoe books on your shelf. Stunning photographs by top fashion photographers, like Helmut Newton and Mario Testino, depict playful, sexy, sometimes fetishistic shoes by today's most innovative designers, including Christian Louboutin and Manolo Blahnik. The text explores the link between clothing and shoes, showing shoes by Bella Freud, and other fashion designers and exploring the role that trainers, sneakers, and sports shoes have on our contemporary conceptions of `cool.'

well... it's a hard cover.. nicely designed... neat book..
nice to have at home... to flip thru look @ different shoes..
for that purpose, a very nice book.. for the sheer joy of looking at the photos.... and i think that's enough..

but certainly not a book w/ extensive info on shoe history and all that.

Although I rate this book somewhat higher than one star, I would have to agree that, given Valerie Steele's reputation and credentials, I had hoped for something more than a composite of fashion magazine photos. Particularly disappointing since this book was loosely considered a catalog in conjunction with the small, but interesting, exhibition held at Fashion Institute of Technology. Like the two earlier reviewers, I would agree that it contributes little to the scholarly history of footwear, still, I am glad to have it in my collection.

Isn't Valerie Steele supposed to be an expert or something on fashion? I am shocked first of all how poorly written this book is, and second of all how there is absolutely nothing new in it. Everything is rehashed from what other people have said or what is common knowledge. I couldn't believe it. Where is the insight? The fresh information?

Although I rate this book somewhat higher than one star, I would have to agree that, given Valerie Steele's reputation and credentials, I had hoped for something more than a composite of fashion magazine photos. Particularly disappointing since this book was loosely considered a catalog in conjunction with the small, but interesting, exhibition held at Fashion Institute of Technology. Like the two earlier reviewers, I would agree that it contributes little to the scholarly history of footwear, still, I am glad to have it in my collection.

The review from dated May 23rd from Manhatan expressing a disppointment expressed my feelings exactly.