Gypsy Rose Lee wearing a gown designed by Charles James, and a book to read if you’re into fashion

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Charles James, often considered to be America’s first couturier, was renowned in the 1940s and 1950s as a master at sculpting fabric for the female form and creating fashions that defined mid-century glamour. Although James had no formal training as a dressmaker, he created strikingly original and complex designs, including intricate ball gowns worn by members of high society in New York and Europe. This lavishly illustrated book offers a comprehensive study of James’ life and work, highlighting his virtuosity and inventiveness as well as his influence on subsequent fashion designers.

Charles James: Beyond Fashion Metropolitan Museum of Art: Harold Koda, Jan Reeder, Ralph Rucci, Sarah Scaturro, Glenn Petersen: 9780300204360: Amazon.com: Books.

Eight models wearing Charles James gowns, in French & Company's

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2 Comments

  1. August 11, 2014

    Oh my, how exquisite is this exhibition.

  2. August 12, 2014

    Like elegant ice cream…

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