(un)Fashion

By Tibor KalmanMaria KalmanMaira Kalman, et al.

Book Overview

Do you like to people--watch? Not interested in pretentious anorexics? Here's the fashion book for YOU! From cardboard shoes in Africa to body paint in New Guinea, from chimney sweeps in France to an Indian Elvis, (un)Fashion scans the globe to show how real people dress: at work, on the street, or for ceremonial occasions. With virtually no text, (un)Fashion pokes gentle fun at the elitism of the fashion world, presenting its provocative observations through dynamic images by some of the world's foremost photojournalists. Codpieces! Firemen in skirts! Cool!

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0810945002
• ISBN13: 9780810945005
• Release Date: November 2000
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 1.56 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.3" x 9.3"
• Age Range: 13 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 8 to Postsecondary

Customer Reviews

speedy delivery and good quality

Hi, I live in Holland, but I had it in a couple of days. So: speedy delivery, solid packing and the book was in great shape. Kind regards, Minke

Wonderful images of people all over the world

I debated about buying this book as I couldn't think WHY I wanted it, but am delighted that I did. I like it so much that I bought a second copy to give a friend. Unlike other reviewers, I'm far less clear about why I like it and what I like about it, but I do know that it is a pleasure to look through it. Who would like this book? I am hesitant to guess. If you like outsider art, unique design, clothes that are unusual, to imagine and use your creative brain, then I suspect you'll find it a fun and inspiring book. If you are conservative in your mind and heart, you'll be bewildered by it. Or, maybe you'll get the jolt you need to see more in the world than you thought was there.

Dressed To Thrill!

Are there some days when you want a book in your hand but you don't feel like reading? Here's a great book to have around for just such an occasion, "(un)fashion" by Tibor + Maira Kalman. Wow, wow and wow! There's nothing around (to my knowledge) like this little jewel, 9" x 6", I'm not sure how many pages,they aren't numbered,of nothing but photographs, no text (there is an index to each photo in the back of the book). Not to say that there aren't thousands and thousands of books of photography out there but this one is just different. It is the most spectacular look at how men and women (and a wonderful leaping dog in a gas mask and green plastic coat) from all over the planet choose to adorn themselves both in and out of the social norm. There are images of every kind of painted, pierced, tattooed, masked, beaded, wrapped,unwrapped, turbaned, swathed and nearly naked human being from every corner of the planet. And some really great ideas for tin cans if you are on a tight budget. What a joy and revelation to flip through this book at a leisurely pace marvelling at what can be achieved by imagination and necessity. This book should be seen by anyone who designs, manufactures or wears clothing. It's also useful for those days when you need to wear something special but can't decide quite what. It will give you all the courage you need to go out into the world looking like..........well.... your own special self. Highly recommended.

Costume Party!

While he was alive Tibor Kalman spent his design career showing that one could find "high art" in the everyday world. (un) Fashion is a wonderful tribute to the life of Mr. Kalman (it can be assume that the driving force behind the book is Maira who is a very talented artist in her own right). The book has several catwalks of a wide range of people from every corner the planet. Each chapter features a traditional or (un)traditional fashion theme like body art, accessories, tribes, dressed to kill and (un)mentionables. Sometimes a featured photo can make a political statement while others show a slight touch of humor, making for entertaining page turning.While this book isn't your typical "oversized coffee table" the production and presentation show a respect for quality. Unlike your average overpriced collection of pretty pictures this book will make you think, which is rather novel for a book of so few words. (un)Fashion is the sort of book which you will want to share with friends and family and would be a great conversation starter for any social gathering.

(un)Believable!

This book is incredible. It's like being a child again and walking around the world and seeing 500 different people, with 500 different cultures and ways of expressing ideas. It's like having the eyes of a 5 year old and asking the question over and over..."What? and Why?" This book is playful discovery. Just imagine opening a book with no introduction, no words...only photos of people around the world - what they wear, what they're doing and how they do it. But like a child you have no idea, no clues or anything. These photos begin to speak for themselves. You don't have the advantage (or disadvantage) of having a writer attach prejudices or judgements to these photos - you are left to explore your own words, prejudices and thoughts. You not only learn things about people...but you learn a lot about yourself and your pre-conceptions about other folks.For those of you who are Tibor fans...Maira has a very touching write up about her late husband and why he initiated this book.