Charles James

.....really an Understatement in the Truest term of the word. I went to school a block away from where he was living at the time, (The High School of Fashion Industries) at the "Chelsea Hotel",he was being discovered by Antonio Lopez & Juan Ramos (Both would become Legends in their own rights as Prolific & Masterful Illustrators:- See "Antonio's People", better yet Read it!) Charles James was that rare artisan, who knew who owned which of his pieces, and could recite Fabric, Closures(i.e.zippers, buttons, etc.) threads, seams stiches and interfacings. When the Brooklyn Museum did a retrospective on him, they knew whom to ask for what articles they included. High Strung? Perhaps, but Talented? Surely!!

Charles James filled his designs with beauty and technical brilliance. He was an architect of fabric. His designs were as beautiful on the inside as they were on the outside. This book is a glimpse into his world of manipulating shape and form. My only regret is that is not longer. Enjoy!