Customer Reviews

Tartan: Romancing the Plaid

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

WOW -- I am an author who has written a few illustrated books like this -- and all I can say is this book is LEAGUES above the rest -- amazing photographs and layouts, beautiful paper, beautifully produced. A real labor of love. Although I know a fair amount about fashion, I did not know all that much about tartan... until now. A revealing mix of history, culture, modern tmes, with images ranging from the Duke of Windsor (how lonely -- albeit well dressed he looks...) to Rod Stewart, Princess Diana and the Bay City Rollers. As well as some of my favorite models and designers in the world.

Mr. Banks and Ms. de la Chapelle have done an amazing job. This book is so well written, stunning, and beautifully produced, that it is going to be MY Christmas gift to others this year.

You'll be doing the Highland Fling in no time (or at least the Lowland Shim) when you read this terrific book. It's a wonderful history of the fabric and the tome is filled with interesting history and some fun, lighthearted photos - like the guard who's catching a breeze and having his kilt lifted to show . . . well, buy the book and find out. I was very surprised (nicely so) to find out it wasn't just a dry historical analogy but rather a work that examines something we see in everyday life but may not have taken the time to think about.

Stylemaven

When I was introduced to this tome it woke up a fashion and hstory perspective that was a new dimension to my being, a very plesant one. This is more than a fashion book - it is hundreds of stories and dazzling images that introduces multidimensional perspection and connection to a very rich and mystical design grid and real stories as to how world famous designers were inspired by the tartan. A facinating read on many levels, rich in imagery and opening up the true mystique of tartan to the unitiated like me.

If you love plaid, this book is essential. Lovely photographs and history on the ever handsome world of plaid. Delightful coffee table book.

Gorgeous book for your coffee table or a gift. Layouts are designed well and there is even a plaid book mark inside.

Romancing the Plaid isn't just for the fashion minded or the Scot-o-philes. There is good research demonstrated in the meanings in the patterns and colors to the various Scottish clans and the authors use paintings of the historical period to illustrate their findings make this little covered topic more fascinating to the average reader. The book covers the origins and more recent uses of plaid tartan themes and its various impacts on modern fashion. The illustrations and photographs are of excellent quality and definitely should be purchased for more than the decorative coffee table accessory. Overall a genuinely good reading experience and a interesting subject.

Great book, very informative and the photos are gorgeous. Gives a good history of Plaid.

Banks and De La Chappelle have created a book that will appeal to those who love fashion as well as history in this gorgeously produced book. Banks is as talented a writer as he is a designer (which is to say, VERY talented) and the book itself is a work of art-- the amazingly beautiful photos, crisp, concise, compelling text, even the tartan bookmark make this a worthy purchase for fashion lovers, historians, or for those who simply want a smart piece of art on their coffee table.

I bought this book for a Scottish friend and his wife. They adore it and it went "out on loan" in short order to other Scots. The book is visually captivating, imaginative, and has interesting text. It is the quintessential coffee table volume.

The nearly 300 page book entitled Tartan came to my attention a few weeks ago (May 2008) when the male author appeared on the Martha Stewart show. As I am a textile and fiber/knitting/weaving fanatic, I ordered it immediately. It arrived, and I realized it was published back in 2007...so I thought: Mr Banks must have booked himself onto the show to push book sales. ($65. retail) After the INTRO, the section named "TRADITIONS" (=history) was quite interesting--particularly the photos of paintings--but that section is only 50 pages long. No historic analysis or enumeration w photos of all major tartans. Next section: FASHION--first 12 pages covers the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Interesting photos of them in their home, of the Duchess' closet. So that's 62 pages of "origin of tartans and emergence as a fashion statement". The remainder of this 300 page paperweight jumps from modern day designer to designer, with photos combed from runways and designer photo shoots... more and more and more of same, ad nauseum. For me, 20% of the book being devoted to tradition and history of tartans did not justify the cost of this book, not even with the Amazon discount. (True, there is a single photo of Princess Diana, one of Charles and Camilla, and one of Charles with the Burbery folks...and a few amusing photos of interior designers odd uses of tartans [including an interior slanted ceiling of a caravan papered in yellow plaid fabric--nice, but the lines of the tartan were distorted in the installation process, so I'd rate that project a great idea, poorly executed]. Still not worth the $$$ for 200+ pages of runway shots (unless you aspire to be a model). I've just packed it up for return. Suzann Eshleman, Upland Fiberworks, Ithaca, NY