Thursday, March 09, 2006

Silhouettes, Continued....

As promised, here are some images from inside Spectres: When Fashion Turns Back from the exhibition of the same name at the V&A. I had been thinking about this book, what with all the new images from various fashion weeks, revealing new silhouettes and forms for Spring..Summer, and even Autumn 2006 fashions. What I like about this book is that it weaves together all era's and past fashions (not just for clothing..but in illustration, advertising and products) to show where things (designs now..) come from and how they started. As the top image above says..this book really is a Monument to Ideas. I don't think this book serves to answer questions..just to pose them, and explore them, which is perhaps what makes it best of all! ( On a purely aesthetic note..I love how they have printed some pages on brown paper.....)

As I have said before, I would love to write a book about pattern....(not that I am a great writer)...but I would like to weave together all sorts of topics to form a solid discussion with pattern at it's heart, like they have done with this book. Maybe one day!!

Went to my first Tai Chi class last night! It was the fastest hour ever...and I really enjoyed it. I am going to get the proper little shoes this week...and I may also get a video to catch up with the class (it has been going for four weeks) and to help learn and remember 'the form'.

Xx :)




15 comments:

Marieke said...

Great book (put it on my getting longer wish list for my birthday in a half year's time ;-))

What are you saying?! You are a great writer, judging by your blog. I'd say go for it!

About patterns, do you also know the book "Textile Designs"? I just borrowed it from the library. It's quite good.

Abigail A. Percy said...

Is that the one by Lesley Jackson?
Yes...my wish list is very long too! My birthday is in August as well, so we both have quite a wait! :) Xx

lisa solomon said...

abigail... that book looks smashing!!!!

i think treats and treasures is right - you should so write that book....

i have textile designs. i'm constantly turning to it for inspiration. it's amazing [although it doesn't have the weaving together text part that YOU need to write!!] i should post some pics of the fabrics for you....
xo

Abigail A. Percy said...

Lisa...Yes please do! I would love to see...(really feeling the need to splurge on some new books for inspiration (maybe if I sell lots at Red Door in the coming weeks!?))...so would like to see more of that one for sure :D XX

Marieke said...

It is by Susan Meller and Joost Elfers:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0810925087/sr=8-1/qid=1141927245/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-2227709-0233515?%5Fencoding=UTF8

(I don't know if this works, with the link)

x Marieke

shari said...

ooooh! the images from your book are stunning. i wish i had a copy so i could open it up daily for inspiration. :) glad you liked tai chi...what do you wear? i'm curious about the shoes. i have decided to take a session of beginning ballet. have never done so before in my life but am so in love with it. i already have the cute pink ballet slippers. glad your package arrived safely. xoxo shari

Abigail A. Percy said...

Marieke...I just had a look at that book (inside too via amazon), it looks amazing -thank you!

Shari..we were just told to wear loose clothes (but I don't have any work-out clothes if you like) so I just wore cropped linen trousers, and a t-shirty top with wide sleeves...most folk were there in their normal clothes (jeans, all sorts)..but the shoes are very flat and cute, navy with white soles..they look like chinese slippers sort of! Oooo..your ballet class sounds good!

Xox

Anonymous said...

looks like just a great book. wow. i need to think about invensting in a few more good books this year. they are so nice to flip through when you need inspiration. glad your class was enjoyable! xo mav

Anonymous said...

mmmm. lovely books are one of my major weaknesses. this one looks amazing. i love the idea of the book you suggested too - it's definitely something i would be interested in reading as it's a subject i've been pre-occupied with since high school. if you wanted someone to collaborate with i would happily offer my services!!

i really hope you sell loads at Red Door as well - i'm due a day out shopping with my mum soon so i'll definitely be guiding her in that direction with lots of cooing and talk of it only being 7 months till my birthday ;)

Anonymous said...

Hard not to love printed text and images on brown paper... looks like a wonderful & inspiring book you have in your possession. I've enjoyed semi leafing through the pages via your blog.

(P.S. And the textiles exhibit you commented on, on my ol' blog, was indeed wonderful. I think the Bruce Parry series you mentioned has just started or is about to screen here... will keep my eyes peeled.)

Lena said...

thanks for this book review, it looks like a wonderful one-- another book i'd love to own!

Anonymous said...

I would have LOVED to see this show. I adore fashion when it has to do with history. Yes, please write a book on Pattern, perhaps as it relates to creativity in general...

Anabel said...

Love silhouettes!
Tai Chi? Is relaxing?

Abigail A. Percy said...

Hi anabel...yes, tai chi is very relaxing! I think it will become even more-so when I learn the moves properly and feel less like I am paying very close attention! :))

Have a great weekend!! XX

Anonymous said...

what a gorgeous book!!!!!! Those toes are wonderful!!!

And I'm with everyone else, you should write a book!!!