This is a little gem of a book.
The chapters on his life read like a scandalous story. I have read few writings on Charles James that had me as entranced and question filled.
The book has a decent amount of gowns which I liked.You can never have too many CJ Gowns in a book..... never but there is more designs throughout than just gowns.I am also amazed that not only was he primarily self taught but he made some incredible designs during his first 5 years of designing.Talk about Ambition.I really like that the line drawings were included, I think it gave great detail about how the garment was actually designed.The book does not boast as many designs as Harold's book,but if I had to choose between I would choose this one for the design details.This could definitely work as a map for recreating the design.
Charles James (1906–1978)—one of the most celebrated and sought-after couturiers of his day, and subject of a major exhibition in summer 2014 at The Metropolitan Museum of Art—won ecstatic praise for his highly innovative designs. Without formal training, he created some of the most ambitious and dramatic couture of the 20th century and became the designer of choice for powerful clients, including Marlene Dietrich, Gypsy Rose Lee, and socialites Millicent Rogers and Austine Hearst (wife of William Randolph Hearst Jr.). James was particularly famous for his nearly fanatical perfectionism and unpredictable temperament; his contracts with the ready-to-wear industry often ended in legal wrangling and contributed to both his fi nancial ruin and a reputation as a troubled genius. In this book, the first in a new series, James’s reputation is reexamined and his most stunning designs are analyzed in exacting detail, uncovering his geometric rigor and passion for materials. Featuring illustrations, new garment photography, and archival material, this is the perfect introduction to James’s stunning work.
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