Charles James: The Design Practice of a Fashion Genius by Dorothea Mink

Charles James was one of the most creative and innovative fashion designers of the twentieth century. Widely regarded as the couturier whose work most clearly attains the status of art, James had a uniquely sculptural approach and developed revolutionary techniques for draping and construction which resulted in dazzling and technically brilliant designs.

Lavishly illustrated, Charles James: The Design Practice of a Fashion Genius is a comprehensive and practical guide to James' work, from his design philosophy to his working practice. It combines insights into the designer's oeuvre from close collaborators like Antonio Lopez, and from top fashion scholar Valerie Steele, with step-by-step practical instructions for recreating his innovative tools and designs. Outlining everything that fashion practitioners need to know to create a perfect fit, it allows a new generation of designers to incorporate James's technical achievements into their own work.

Drawing on never-before-seen archival material, and packed with insider insights and how-to guides, the book enables fashion students, designers, researchers, and enthusiasts to understand, replicate, and adapt the work of a fashion genius.