Flair

Any fashion book which includes couture garments and pattern shapes for same is an invaluable tool for new product development. "Flair" was one book I wanted in my reference library. I am so pleased that it was available.

Tina Chow was not only a celebrity of her time, but a wise investor in vintage Haute Couture. Before her untimely death, she amassed a collection of some of the finest clothes ever made. Tina was a model and great beauty, but she was also a person with a family and friends and her legacy as a socialite and fashion maven should not die with her. I hope that her family someday writes the biography of Tina.

I'm not a fashion fanatic but I do wish I could own this book! After borrowing this book twice (and maybe more in the future), I've come to the conclusion that I'm drawn more to the photography of the clothes in this book, rather than the clothe itself:| Anyways, the book is first presented with an innocent Preface by Tina Chow, then a seemingly detailed Introduction with unique photos of Ms. Chow at work or wearing her collection. I like how this book is easily divided by designers of the clothes Tina Chow has collected. Each part has a detailed and sometimes historic description of the dresses. Some have patterns and sketches drawn out. The combination of intricate lighting, angles, and closeups on the fashion makes the photos stunning. But one must marvel at Ms. Chow's beauty when posing in some of her collections. She adds much sparkle and longetivity to these rather out of date and sometimes "tacky" dresses that I can never find myself in. Well, except in the "cheongsam" that Ms. Chow is seen posing in with parasols seemingly floating around her.. Since Ms. Chow's passing, I can see this book as a reference for admirers of her collection. Or rather, as a surprise since there are cameos by those closest to her. Sorry, no Warhol..but you'll see. :-)