100 Unforgettable Dresses is filled with the stories; secrets; intrigue; and insights behind the most indelible dresses in our collective memories. Featuring looks from the runway; film; television; the red carpet; and the worlds of royalty and politics; this book celebrates the staying power of these gorgeous; sleek; sultry; and outrageous creations as well as the lasting impact theyrsquo;ve had in fashion; popular culture; and our own lives. More than two hundred images; a witty; informative text; and exclusive interviews with the designers and the women who wore the dresses reveal the initial spark and captivating drama behind the making of each dress. Also featured throughout are extensive anecdotes and observations about great style makersmdash;Grace Kelly; Audrey Hepburn; Cher; Sarah Jessica Parker; Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis; and Cate Blanchettmdash;highlighting the conception of their most spectacular looks and examining their lasting influence.Here is the tale of how a canny Gianni Versace helped an unknown Elizabeth Hurley become world famous overnight; thanks to the paparazzi frenzy whipped up by her red-carpet appearance in his now legendary safety-pin dress. Learn about the unique wedding gown Narciso Rodriguez designed exclusively for Caroline Bessette-Kennedy that inspired a whole new generation of brides. Go on the set of Top Hat; where Ginger Rogersrsquo;s ostrich-feather-laden dress began to molt immediately upon arrival; its flying feathers bringing the filmrsquo;s production to a halt. Of course; the seminal work of exemplary designersmdash;Yves Saint Laurentrsquo;s Mondrian dress and Christian Lacroixrsquo;s pouf; Chanelrsquo;s little black dress and Valentinorsquo;s infamous red ones; Diane von Furstenbergrsquo;s iconic wrap and Marc Jacobsrsquo;s grunge collectionmdash;is featured throughout; with plenty of inside information on what inspired the invention of each piece.With its wonderful anecdotes; fascinating facts; and just enough juicy gossip; 100 Unforgettable Dresses is a bewitching read for everyone who enjoys sensational clothes; movies; television; and music. Whether yoursquo;re a fashion maven; a red-carpet addict; a celebrity tracker; or a pop-culture aficionado; you wonrsquo;t be able to put this book down!
#2889009 in eBooks 2011-09-22 2011-09-22File Name: B0076MQEAK
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Restoring the value of five epic filmsBy Harikleia SirmansAs the book title suggests. The Epic Films of David Lean is a detailed study of the five epic films of David Lean. one of cinemas most accomplished directors. Lean won Academy Awards for classic films such as Great Expectations and Oliver Twist. But his career as filmmaker of the epic form took a major leap when he directed The Bridge on the River Kwai. which became an international hit and won seven Oscars. The epic filmmaking phase continued with Lawrence of Arabia. Doctor Zhivago. Ryans Daughter. and A Passage to India. Despite the accolades and awards. these epic films had "mixed critical attention" (p. xiv) and they were viewed as "Hollywood-financed spectacles" (p. xviii). Constantine Santas takes a closer look at these cinematic works to prove that they are as worthy of attention as Leans earliest works.Santas focuses on the epic films after his realization that the epics refined Leans directorial career. They expanded Leans horizons by using compelling narratives. broader themes. complex characters. a range of landscapes. cultural differences. and filming techniques. The epics were more complex endeavors because of their greater length. expense. and effort. But they brought Lean the adulation of international audiences and the reputation of "novelist of the screen" (p. x). Lean used the epics not only to entertain large audiences. but also to connect divergent cultures. Despite of their success. the epics received adverse criticism. and critics favored Leans earlier films. Santas hopes to restore the value of these five epics by reexamining in detail their structure. themes. characters. literary sources. history and politics. relation to earlier works. and critical responses.Santas has achieved his goal to restore the esteem of the undervalued epics by employing analytical approach and extensive research. For each epic. he provides general background information on production including details on the crew and cast; connection of the epic with the literary work it was adopted from; historical and political aspects; structural patterns and themes; plot synopsis; and characterization. Overall. Santas has accomplished a well-researched. engaging. and convincing work that will attract cinema students. fans of David Lean. and scholars.
