Book Review: Madeleine Vionnet by Betty Kirke
I have so many books I’ve acquired or discovered recently and want to share. I’m going to start with Vionnet by Betty Kirke, a fantastic book well worth the hefty cover price (mine came from the library, but I do plan to purchase it now).
If you don’t know of Madeleine Vionnet, she was a revolutionary French fashion designer who created complex forms that followed and accentuated the natural curves of a woman’s body, rather than trying to control it with corsets and crinolines. She is best known for her use of the bias cut, a cut that is near and dear to me.
I’d commit crimes for that dress with the deco deer buckle.
The fantastic thing about this book, and what makes it worth the price, is the inclusion of patterns for many of Vionnet’s original designs. I haven’t actually attempted to recreate any of the designs, but the instructions are somewhat lacking, I must say. Kathleen at Fashion Incubator has recently acquired the Japanese version of the Vionnet book, and recommends it as far superior in instruction and usability. If you can find it.
That is THE most wonderful book! I just love anything cut on the bias!
Me too! Bias cut garments make thin women look sleek and slinky and curvy women look even more feminine. That’s why I love 1930s patterns so much.
Gorgeous photo’s, I’m always on the lookout for high quality vintage fashion books.Thank’s for introducing me to a new (for me) designer.
I’d like to link to you on my blog if that’s ok? :)
Of course it’s ok, Christina! :)
Thank you! ;)
Oh my goodness the long slinky white gown is to die for …I’m going to get this book from my library right now. And if you don’t mind me asking what is your business going to be ?? I’m just curious ;)
I have been dying to get my hands on this book for eons! I’ve put in several inter-library-loan requests (since my system–typically–does not have it), all of which have mysteriously never gone through. :p Hmm… perhaps my tax refund shall go towards this? Because after seeing these photos, want has become *need*. lol!
Staar: I’m not ready to talk about it too much yet… I want to have something substantial to show first. But I will definitely be posting about it here when I’m ready!
Casey: That is why I LOVE the SF public library. You can get just about anything, provided you can figure out the awful interface.
I’m going to be posting about a bunch more books that I think you’ll really dig.
I love this book! I actually made one of the dresses in the book (the barrel-cut burnt out velvet dress). It was quite the task, mainly because there are no instructions like you said, but you just have to improvise and use your imagination. I hope you try to make one and post pictures!
[...] Dos primeras imà genes Tags: Estilo, lujo, Vestidos [...]
I adore this book and cannot wait to have saved up enough to buy it! it has been a huge influence on my work, I’ve created a collection of dresses based on the deer buckle dress for my masters course, i’d be more than happy to make one for you!