The Fashion Makers, Robert Riley, Book

v Books to Read Almost Mainbocher

On August 15, I'm teaming up with Medici Museums to nowadays an evening of fashion experts, icons and history in collaboration with the Waldorf Astoria.

This two-office event begins at the Chicago History Museum (v:xxx-7pm), where I'thou joining some of the city'due south top style bloggers – The Petite Diaries, Stile.Foto.Cibo., and The Colour Palette included -- to lead scavenger hunts and wink tours of Mainbocher, "America'due south First Couturier," a twentieth-century tastemaker who dressed royalty and celebrities, inspired Dior'south "new look"—and put the chic in Chicago.

Office two takes attendees to the Waldorf Astoria'due south new concept Petit Margeaux, the brainchild of celebrity chef Michael Mina (7-9pm). This fashion-forward hotel, with its Dior-inspired tiled lobby floor and Chanel-influenced chandelier, is the perfect properties for a beauty bar, gratis cocktails from beverage partner Ketel One, and featured hors d'oeuvres past Petit Margeaux.

Don't await! Take hold of your pals, go your fashionista on, and purchase your tickets today!

Can't wait for the fun to begin?? Check out these five books (the pickings were slim - there aren't many books published most him, and then you'll definitely want to acquire virtually him at this result!) about Mainbocher and other American way designers and tastemakers:

1.

If yous're just going to read ane book about Mainbocher, this should be the ane! Information technology is written by the costume curator at the Chicago History Museum, Petra Slinkard, who also curated the exhibit we'll exist exploring during the event! It can be purchased at the Chicago History Museum or online using the link above.

2.

If y'all're interested in the broader topic of American designers, so this is the book for you. It focuses on 5 notable American designers including Adrian (known for his costume designs for The Wizard of Oz,) Mainbocher (a Chicago-built-in fashion designer,) Claire McCardell (credited with creating American sportswear.) Norman Norell (the get-go American fashion designer to launch his own perfume...can you imagine this always NOT being a thing??) and Pauline Trigère (known for her impeccable tailoring and creative ideas.)

three.

Maybe the high-finish, fine art-equally-way, impeccably well-fabricated designers are what interest y'all. If that's the instance, you'll desire to read Couture, the Great Designers by Caroline Rennolds Milbank. From Charles Frederick Worth to Chanel and Schiapparelli, this book will introduce you to the who's who of high fashion.

4.

Published in 1980, this book profiled 23 current and historic style designers. Information technology is a very brief introduction to some style names you know and some you don't. If you aren't sure you desire to spend a lot of time reading up on historical fashion figures, this book is the perfect cursory introduction to see if you enjoy the topic.

five.

Concluding but non least, The Style She Looks Tonight past Marian Fowler. If you're more interested in the fabulous women who wore the fabled designs of people similar Mainbocher, and so yous'll desire to choose this book. Information technology focuses on 5 fashionable women: former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, actress and singer Marlene Dietrich, Duchess of Windsor Wallis Simpson, novelist Elinor Glyn, and Empress Eugenie of French republic.

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