The Power of Style (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Diana Edkins (Author) "WITH HER BEAUTY, HER allure, her personal extravagances, and the long succession of tragedies that befell her, she was not, in her essence, a true..." (more)
Key Phrases: costume institute, fashion press, New York, Diana Vreeland, White House (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Reveals the inner qualities of 14 remarkable women who define style in ways that have lasted for generations. Witty and fascinating excursions into the worlds of Coco Chanel, Pauline de Rothschild, Diana Vreeland, Elsie de Wolfe, and others are captured in lavish photographs and entertaining anecdotes. We discover not only the preeminent influence that these women held over fashion and culture, but also the wry, often poignant tales of their personal lives. Full-color photographs.

From the Inside Flap

Reveals the inner qualities of 14 remarkable women who define style in ways that have lasted for generations. Witty and fascinating excursions into the worlds of Coco Chanel, Pauline de Rothschild, Diana Vreeland, Elsie de Wolfe, and others are captured in lavish photographs and entertaining anecdotes. We discover not only the preeminent influence that these women held over fashion and culture, but also the wry, often poignant tales of their personal lives. Full-color photographs.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Crown; 1st edition (November 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0517585685
• ISBN-13: 978-0517585689
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 7.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #68,858 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #9 in	Books > History > World > Women in History
  #43 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Fashion > Fashion Photography
  #79 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Design & Decorative Arts > Graphic Design > Commercial > Fashion Design

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A lovely gift for that lady of style in your life!, September 21, 2000

By	Julia A. J (Kuala Lumpur Malaysia) - See all my reviews

Money cant buy style and style is "personal" they say , the women featured in this book is definitely in a class of their own. They not only show style in what they wear or how they carry themselves but in how they lived. There are books written about these women individually but this one provide an elegant compilation of photographs and poignant anecdotes. It share glimpses of their lives though glamourous through the lavish photography and reported anecdotes, were less than perfect. But these women are survivors! Even through tragedies and personal loss these women handled it all - with style and panache. A lovely gift for that lady of style in your life!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book was intelligently written, April 24, 2001

By	La Reyna "La Reyna" (USA) - See all my reviews

and tastefully illustrated with photos and illustrations of 15 extraordinary women who lived the elegant life without effort. I liked the brief biographies of Rita Lydig, Elsie De Wolfe, Babe Paley, Jackie Kennedy and Coco Chanel. Each lady have an unique style that cannot be duplicated. It can be imitated by many people but not duplicated. For example, Elsie De Wolfe's home decorating has influenced many interior designers such as Martha Stewart. Martha has a unique perspective on interior home decorating and entertainment similar to Elsie's. Jackie Kennedy's trend-setting fashions have influenced many American women during the turbulent 60's and beyond. She really taught American women how to live with grace and elegance. The ladies have endured hardships, abusive and unhappy relationships, public scorn, and even scandal to be themselves and not having people, not even their husbands or boyfriends, tell them how to live. This book is for those who want to learn about the unique lives of 15 upper class women. It's the ultimate insider book.

28 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting and Sad, July 10, 2001

By	OaklandBookworm "florinda" (Oakland, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This is a good biographical-type book following women who were trendsetters from early to mid-twentieth century. The earlier portraits of the women are interesting because they are less known to modern readers, than say, Jacqueline Kennedy. Nice photographs, good layout. However, I was saddened by the fact that with a few exceptions, most of these women derived their power and style from money -- either inherited and/or married into. These well-bred, intelligent and strong women found no other way to express their individuality or personal power except through the designer clothes, jewelry and ornaments that money could afford them. This book is a fairly good read overall and a revealing snapshot of prominent socialite trendsetters before femminism - nice for a leisurely weekend with a good cup of tea.