From Library Journal
This attractive catalog was published in conjunction with the Costume Institute's commemorative exhibition "Gianni Versace" (December 11, 1997-March 22, 1998) at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Martin's solid reputation as a prolific author, art and fashion professor, and curator of the Costume Institute speaks for itself. The text is organized into seven section: the Landmarks, Art, History, Materials, Word and Image, Men, and the Dream. Each section begins with an overview followed by a historical/analytical discussion. These informed discussions provide the intellectual context necessary to understand how Versace's visual references to antiquity, traditional garb such as the sari, and the sleek fashions of the 1920s and 1930s relate to the designer's empowering references to the culture of street prostitutes. First-rate color illustrations enliven the text, and a brief bibliography concludes the volume. Warmly recommended for public, academic, and specialized libraries.AP. Steven Thomas, Central Michigan Univ. Lib.Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Everyone knows how Gianni Versace died. This handsome coffee-table book allows readers to recall the beautiful design work he did while he was alive. A companion to the Costume Institute's exhibition of Versace's clothes at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the volume features some of Versace's most famous designs presented in exquisite photographs. An introduction by author Richard Martin, curator-in-charge at the Costume Institute, gives an overview of Versace's career and the influences that shaped it. Martin also discusses how the selections were made for the exhibit, in which designs for both men and women appear. With its polished photographs and minimal text, the book is simply elegant--even when the clothes themselves are showing off Versace at his street-influenced best. A must for fashion collections. Ilene Cooper

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Gianni Versace (1946-1997) stands among the most important designers of the late 20th century, his clothes symbolizing post-pop culture and expanding the haute couture beyond the elitism of earlier eras. Splendidly illustrated, this volume provides a conceptual and historical background for Versace's achievements. 120 full-color illustrations. Size D. 192 pp. 7,000 print.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal

This attractive catalog was published in conjunction with the Costume Institute's commemorative exhibition "Gianni Versace" (December 11, 1997-March 22, 1998) at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Martin's solid reputation as a prolific author, art and fashion professor, and curator of the Costume Institute speaks for itself. The text is organized into seven section: the Landmarks, Art, History, Materials, Word and Image, Men, and the Dream. Each section begins with an overview followed by a historical/analytical discussion. These informed discussions provide the intellectual context necessary to understand how Versace's visual references to antiquity, traditional garb such as the sari, and the sleek fashions of the 1920s and 1930s relate to the designer's empowering references to the culture of street prostitutes. First-rate color illustrations enliven the text, and a brief bibliography concludes the volume. Warmly recommended for public, academic, and specialized libraries.P. Steven Thomas, Central Michigan Univ. Lib.

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