by Antonio Mancinelli
Abrams, $29.95, 479 pages
When a book about style has Audrey Hepburn and Sarah Jessica Parker on the front cover, it is sure to be a fashion DO! Coffee table sized book Fashion Box is a must have for any fashionista or fan of timeless clothing trends. Author Antonio Mancinelli is an editor at Italian Marie Claire and has worked for many other reputable magazines. He presents and celebrates 16 essential wardrobe items from the 1950s to today. He showcases brilliant colorful photographs of celebrities, models, actresses and singers – all women who wore the trend well. The beauty of the 16 pieces is their accessibility and attainability…a t-shirt, blue jeans, a turtleneck, a bikini. And while these items are “for the people,” stars often serve as the muse for many of the looks they helped make famous (Audrey Hepburn and the little black dress, Madonna and the corset). Other featured fashion items include The White Shirt, Suits, Hot Pants, Pencil Skirt, Trench Coat, Miniskirt, Twinset, Androgynous Look, Capri Pants, and Sheath Dresses. The photographs are truly breathtaking. Readers will be inspired to try new pieces and to go through their own closest to rediscover old (but timeless) favorites.
Reviewed by Kathryn Franklin