(un)Fashion

by Tibor Kalman, Maira Kalman

This witty and eye-popping book—a delightfully unconventional view of contemporary fashion as seen in the creative ways that people around the globe adorn their bodies—is the brainchild of graphic designer Tibor Kalman, who had finished the picture selection and design when he died in May 1999. Completed by his wife and partner in M&Co, noted children's book author Maira Kalman, (un)Fashion will startle, amuse, engross, and enchant as it adds posthumously to Tibor Kalman's reputation as one of the graphic design geniuses of the 20th century.

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.

Genres: Fashion, Photography, Nonfiction, Art, Design

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Rumana]

It is a 'look' book, not a 'read' book, but one can only say 'wow' while turning each page and returning to the book again and again. Several of the images are extraordinary. What scope and breath-taking variety! You don't have to be a fashionista to appreciate this book. It can certainly appeal to all - such as those interested in anthropology, sociology, travels, culture...

[cantread26]

So well curated! Fascinating juxtapositions! A very enjoyable look through!!

[Pat]

Inspiring and eye opening!

[Ryan]

It's always refreshing to see how others have defined happiness in their own terms. :)

[Amy]

Photos. Very interesting.

[Powells.com]

Whether you like the late Tibor Kalman's work or not, this book is a delightfully unconventional view of contemporary fashion, demonstrating the creative and similar ways that people around the world adorn their bodies at work and play. Done without text (and therefore without analysis), (un)Fashion scans the globe to show how people dress through dynamic images by some of the world's foremost photojournalists.
Recommended by Amy, Powells.com

http://www.powells.com/cgi-bin/biblio...

[Allie]

There was very little text, but the bit at the end written by Maira Kalman about Tibor and the project was really touching. I really liked the sections "Standard Issue" (uniforms + matching) and "mobile home" (babies bundled on mamas' backs). The "headgear" section was also really great and went hand in hand with the "human store" (people with so many things on their heads!).

[Nancy]

Un not look-at-able.
If you poured through image collections (as apparently Tibor did) looking for photos of the outlandish and bold things people put on their bodies, and then arranged these exquisitely, precisely, rigorously -- this is what you'd get: a weird gem. An urge to gawk. That queasy thrill of a 101 survey class, that isn't untrue, but just somehow unjustly abridged.

[Amber the Human]

I first ran across Maira's "The Principles of Uncertainty" randomly at the library and was immediately in love. Since then I've been slowly getting through the rest of her books. This was was "written" by her husband posthumously. It's quite excellent, a very intriguing browse.

[Wright]

Shows creative clothing/people from around the world. By the maker of COLORS magazine.

[Flower]

very cool for a .50$ book I found at a flea market this weekend

[carpe librorum :)]

Dizem que uma imagem vale mais que 1000 palavras, pois este livro não tem palavras, apenas imagens, muitas, de pessoas vestidas que mostram culturas. Uma viagem pelo mundo inteiro.

[Jane]

Such an eye-opener of a book. Wordless. Image filled. Beautiful.

[Suzanne]

Gorgeou, evocative photographs of everyday fashion from around the world.

[Abra]

I finished this book in a bar because the host started his stand-up comedy routine half an hour late >:( thanks for keeping me company<3

[Kristen]

Brilliantly original...

[Bookworm]

A candid look at what people really wear -- most of the photos are from the 3rd world.

[Matthew Hendricks]

Very interesting to look at. Some of the pictures are utterly captivating. Others are disturbing.