Hello readers!
Paris 1962: Yves Saint Laurent and Dior, Christian Dior, The Early Collections documents the world of early 1960s haute couture. Featuring images of tastemakers, fashion icons and the garments themselves, it offers a glimpse into an exclusive and glamorous world. Thanks to the FIDM Museum Shop, we have one copy to give away to a lucky reader!
If you'd like a chance to win, post a comment about your favorite designer. It doesn't have to be a designer who works in the haute couture tradition, but you need to specify what it is about that designer that captures your affection. Post your comment by or on Friday, January 14, 2011. We'll chose one winner at random.
Good luck!
Jacques Fath - a master.
Posted by: Kelly-Anne Smith | January 12, 2011 at 09:59 AM
Alexander McQueen because I followed the designs that have been created throughout recent years. McQueen has an excellent reputation in the fashion industry, focus on clientèle. Alexander McQueen has raw energy and contrasting female strength, fragility and sensuality in all of the collections. I have an understanding that Sarah Burton is the new creative director the new spring collection is strong and powerful, including the classic tailoring that McQueen used. Burton’s collection still draws from McQueen’s aesthetics of monarchy powerful statement edges and prints. To me McQueen is the design of dreams.
Posted by: Stephanie De Gois | January 12, 2011 at 10:56 AM
Such a tough decision, but there was an article I read about Issey Miyake that I will never forget, and therefore, will post him as my favorite designer. In the article he explained that surviving the atomic bombing of Hiroshima made him want to contribute as much beauty to the world as humanly possible. He previously avoided talking about it because he did not want to be defined by his past. His work acts as a counter balance to the horrors he experienced as a young boy. On top of all of that, he is a master of textiles, technology and imagination. He is able to create bright and dynamic forms for the body that defy contemporary trends in fashion, while employing techniques that are both historic and new. He is a true master.
Posted by: Nicole | January 12, 2011 at 02:47 PM
My favorite designer is Mariano Fortuny. I have been fascinated by his pleating technique since I first saw a picture of the gorgeous topaz-colored Delphos Dress in my first fashion book by the Kyoto Costume Institute over two years ago. The article in your blog confirmed my choice. And I agree that Fortuny is an artist, the way he designed how the pleats fall and are supported by the beautiful Murano glass beads. I would like to emulate his pleating technique to further my knowledge of costume design/construction.
Posted by: Monika Goebel | January 12, 2011 at 08:45 PM
I will buck the trend and go with the guy who started it all - Charles Worth.
From hoops to bustles to giant sleeves his work was always beautiful and captured the best of the era.
Posted by: Jennifer | January 12, 2011 at 10:45 PM
It's always hard to choose a favorite designer. One of my all time favs is EMMA DOMB circa 1950s. I've had the opportunity to own a pink 1960s Emma Domb coat and it was the cutest thing. Though nothing can compare to the exquisite 1950s formal dresses she made. I hope to own one some day!
Posted by: MonicaL | January 13, 2011 at 10:34 AM
My favorite is Boué Soeurs. Their cute floral details are sweet and romantic while their lacework is simply beyond. It's a shame there's not more information available on them.
Posted by: Anna | January 13, 2011 at 11:36 AM
Valentino Garavani . . . an amazing body of designs. Few in fashion could express themselves as beautifully as he has!
Posted by: Robyn | January 13, 2011 at 05:17 PM
Lucille. She really pushed the envelope for the established mores of the time period and was the first one who came out and said that underwear could be feminine, flirty and beautiful.
Posted by: Kelley | January 14, 2011 at 10:01 AM
Hubert de Givenchy and John Galliano. Givenchy created classic, beauty, elegance. After his retirement, the brand Givenchy is not the same. Galliano awes, amazes, and amuses me. That quirky little man and his obsession of extreme and opulence. He is so abundantly creative and clever.
Posted by: Nikki | January 14, 2011 at 11:47 AM
Oscar de la Renta continues to capture my heart! His clothing is timeless, feminine, wearable and flattering. His use of color and fabrics is masterful. He is the quintessential American designer!
Posted by: Karen Helm | January 14, 2011 at 12:25 PM
Simply: Roland Mouret. His first collection draping fabrics on the body held together by hatpins.
Posted by: ac | January 14, 2011 at 04:37 PM
Thanks to all of you for entering our Paris 1962 giveaway. We loved reading your entries! The winner of the book will be announced tomorrow, 1/18.
Thanks for your readership and support of our blog.
Posted by: Rachel | January 17, 2011 at 02:57 PM