Product Description

A colorful survey of the often provocative and always highly creative relationship between art and fashion.

A crocheted wool coat of exuberant textures and glowing colors, a dyed and pleated silk vest of baroque sensuousness, a headdress of ribbon intricately ruched in the shape of a leaping fish, an evening gown made from shredded dollar bills, a kimono that carries art appliquéd on its sleeve—these are just a few of the beautiful, imaginative, even surreal works of wearable art included in this richly illustrated book, published to accompany an exhibition at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.

Melissa Leventon shows that wearable art is the latest in the long line of aesthetic dress reforms that began with the Arts and Crafts movement. She then traces the history of this art form as it developed out of the hippie styles and studio fiber art of the 1960s and 1970s until today, highlighting many of the leading practitioners and discussing its characteristic forms and processes. The works brought together range from pieces that are only technically wearable to one-of-a-kind works that are at home either on one's back or on one's wall to limited-edition luxury clothing.

Artwear will be invaluable to fashion designers and students, art and textiles professionals, craftspeople, and anyone with an interest in the fashion world.

Featuring work by Yves Saint Laurent, Issey Miyake, Erté, K. Lee Manuel, Kansai Yamamoto, Ben Compton & Marian Clayden, Genevieve Dion, Ana Lisa Hedstrom, Janet Lipkin, Kaisik Wong, Friends of the Rag, and many others. 200 color illustrations.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #502473 in Books
• Published on: 2005-05-17
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 160 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780500285374
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

About the Author
Curator of Textiles at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco from 1992 to 2002, Melissa Leventon is now an independent consultant specializing in costumes and textiles.

Customer Reviews

Clothing ART
I originally bought this book for the section on Kasik Wong- whose clothing art work is STUNNING! This book features other unique designers who have turned fabric into scultural show pieces. There are things in the book for everyone. I tended to like some more than others- but the sections that showed handcrafted exotic work -puffy and strange were inspirational to me. Others seemed more minimal and origami inspired. Most of the book has beautiful images.

great book
This book has a lot of color pictures, fantastic, imaginative artwear, much to make new ideas flow, worth keeping to revitalize the thought processes every now and again.

Artwear: Fashion and Anti-Fashion
This is a beautiful book showing designs from many wonderful art-to-wear artists. I enjoyed it and find it to be an inspiration.