The new books I have on my desk this month, are all hardcover books on style. We take a look at ‘Fashion on the Ration’ by Julie Summers, ‘Shoes: An Illustrated History’ by Rebecca Shawcross, ‘The Cottage Under The Big Pines’ by Susan Southam, and ‘What Would Audrey Do?’ by Pamela Keogh.
In an age of fast fashion and over-consumption, it is hard to imagine the world during the war. Women made every piece of fabric count, recycling and re-using absolutely everything and still managing to follow fashion in the face of bombings and rationing. Women increasingly took on roles that had been traditionally done by men and clothing changed accordingly. Fashion on the Ration by Julie Summers is a fabulous resource of wartime fashion from siren suits to utility clothing and victory rolls hairstyles. My favourite was the bra and underwear made, without elastic, from silk wartime maps.My only complaint was I’d like to see more photos to illustrate it as fashion is such a visual thing. Published by Profile Books and distributed in New Zealand by Allen & Unwin at $49.99.
What people have worn on their feet throughout the ages tells a social history of the times. In this gorgeous large hardcover book, Shoes An Illustrated History by Rebecca Shawcross, we see a chronological telling of the shoes through the ages right up to Christian Louboutin’s red soles and the Spice Girls platforms. Footwear has been a symbol of class and status, of functionality, and now, of fashion. I particularly loved her observation that more than any other item of clothing, shoes mould to our bodies and we develop intimate relationships with them. Published by Bloomsbury Acad & Prof and distributed here by Allen & Unwin at $60.00.
Speaking of shoes being instrinsically linked to your emotions, there’s nothing like the house you live in to become an extension of your soul and body. This is seen beautifully in new hardcover book The Cottage Under The Big Pines by Susan Southam, documenting the decades spent by her family in an Australian heritage home and garden. As well as beautiful heartfelt words, the pictures really jump off the page in this book. I especially enjoyed how the chapters had been carefully chosen and images grouped in colours and themes very thoughtfully and meaningfully. It helps one become so mindful of the beauty of around us, to take in the colours and textures of nature in the seasons and this author seems to really embody that. Published by Murdoch Books and Allen & Unwin for $85.
Audrey Hepburn was one of the early philanthropists of the film world well before Brad and Angelina, working for UNICEF to help others around the world. She survived the Nazis, she had two divorces – and unfaithful husbands, she raised two children, and she had a successful career, all whilst maintaining the charmingly elegant style that has become iconic. This book covers her ‘lessons in loveliness’ of the generosity and intelligence of a woman from a more refined time, for today. What Would Audrey Do? Timeless Lessons for Living with Grace & Style by Pamela Keogh. Published by Quarto Group UK and distributed here by Allen & Unwin at $29.99.
Megan Robinson
4th April 2015
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