Let these coffee-table centrepieces lead you on an inspirational visual voyage.
Let these coffee-table centrepieces lead you on an inspirational visual voyage.
The timeless glamour of Christian Dior’s legacy during the ’50s and ’60s in the uber-exclusive Parisian fashion world is captured in all of its glory and documented in this lavish book that would, no doubt, be the pride and joy of any Dior fan. Iconic photographer Mark Shaw (1921 – 1969) is the man behind more than 200 of the photographs here – many of which were only recently uncovered in a secret vault in his home. His photojournalistic style of approaching the subject from a wide angle to give context to the picture was lauded as having revolutionised fashion photography. This collection of black-and-white and colour photographs capturing models, actresses and socialites in Dior’s sumptuous haute couture collections is a fitting homage to not just the revered couturier, but also the bygone era of photography, style and cultured living.
Makeup is for everyone, and beauty brand M.A.C has wholly embraced this “all ages, all races and all sexes” ethos, as evidenced by the more than 200 pages of high-fashion, avant-garde looks, and collaborative art between the brand and noted fashion photographer Miles Aldridge showcased in this book. Much like the brand’s wild, fearless and unapologetically edgy image, the pictures blend beauty with fashion and culture in a riot of colours for an eff ect that’s both striking and surreal. It’s not a practical makeup lookbook by any means, but it’s a visually arresting reference guide for anyone who seeks inspiration from the incredible imaginary worlds that M.A.C and Miles Aldridge have created.
What you’ll find in this book put together by fashion label Kate Spade New York: recipes and party ideas (a Sunday supper or garden party, anyone?), personal anecdotes from the who’s who of New York, and quirky tips (such as how to recover from cracking a joke that falls flat). Decorated with whimsical drawings and scribblings, it feels more like (a very cool) someone’s notebook on how to throw carefree soirees than an actual entertaining guide, and there’s something so charmingly earnest about it that we find ourselves completely enthralled. We doubt we’d actually put it to use in the kitchen – for fear of leaving food stains on the pages, which is quite the antithesis of what the book is advocating – but we’ll definitely look to it for inspiration in other aspects of our lives (such as how to apply bright lipstick!).
