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This comprehensive, beautiful book delves deep into the complex but fascinating story of our relationship with colour throughout human history.

Colour is fundamental to our experience and understanding of the world. It crosses continents and cultures, disciplines and decades. It is used to convey information and knowledge, to evoke mood, and to inspire emotion.

This book explores the history of our understanding of colour, from the ancient world to the present, from Aristotle to Albers. Interspersed in the historical story are numerous thematic essays that look at how colour has been used across a wide range of disciplines and fields: in food, music, language and many others.  

The illustrations are drawn from the Royal College of Art’s renowned Colour Reference Library which spans six centuries of works and nearly 2,000 titles, from a Gothic manuscript on the composition of the rainbow to hand-painted Enlightenment works on colour theory and vibrant 20th-century colour charts, including many fascinating examples not  seen in other books.

Delving far and wide in this fascinating and varied subject, this book will help readers find new layers of meaning and complexity in their everyday experiences and teach them to look closer at our colourful lives.

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A design tutorial by Daniela Brambatti, Versace’s chief (design) illustrator, the book is an idea of couturier Fabio Marconi who, impressed by her drawing style and the precision with which she captures the flow of fabric over the body, convinced her to put it into print. Here Bambrilla reveals her fresh and innovative style, halfway between fashion sketching and illustration.

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DK brings you an all-encompassing knitting book jam-packed with pretty patterns, savvy stitches and more!

With over 120 patterns to choose from for a variety of knitting stitches, this design book is sure to unleash your potential and inspire your creativity like never before!

Dive straight in to discover:

-More than 120 step-by-step guides on various knitting patterns within 20 different pattern projects
-Complemented with a stunning visual gallery of over 120 stitches and their accompanying patterns
-Featuring several handy how-to guides and basic embroidery considerations for beginners

Whether you are a knitting beginner looking for a clear and easy-to-follow guide to a plethora of beautiful knitting patterns or an accomplished crafter seeking to perfect your technique and pattern design, this all-encompassing book on knitting has something for everyone to love.

From materials to mounting techniques, fabrics to frames, this easy-to-navigate needlework book has more than 120 knitting techniques explained in excellent detail, with a practical visual gallery providing readers with a clear view of each knitting pattern, suitable for both beginners and proficient knitting enthusiasts. It’s time to perfect your patterns and clean up your cross stitch with this knitting starter kit that’ll redefine textile art as you know it!

At DK, we believe in the power of discovery. So whether you fancy taking up a new skill this New Year, or simply find sanctuary in sewing, unleash your creativity and craftiness with this modern knitting book.

Proving the perfect knitting gift for the stitching lover in your life, embark on knitting projects and create inspiring stitches to treasure forever.

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Wonderful book which I couldn’t put down. – Charlie Marshall, CEO & Founder, Loaf
A healthy blast of brutally honest common sense. – Rory Sutherland, Vice Chairman, Ogilvy UK
This needs to be in all marketing/communication colleges. – Malcolm Poynton, Executive Global Chief Creative Officer, Cheil Worldwide
The Brand Book provides a straightforward and practical guide to the fundamentals of brands and branding, enabling anyone in business to create their own powerful brand. Entertainingly written in jargon-free language, the author draws on her experiences of creating new brand strategies across a wide range of categories. Real world examples and case studies, including images from well-known brand campaigns, are used to illustrate the principles that underpin the best of brand practice. The final chapter includes handy templates and checklists to help you develop your own brand.
*A number one bestseller in branding and logo design* November 2022

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• Stunning images of global phenomenon Taylor Swift
• Revealing fashion insights from the bestselling author of Harry Styles and the clothes he wears
• Elegant hardback presentation including real cloth cover
• The perfect present for fans and fashionistas

Taylor Swift is the quintessential millennial. Free-thinking and creative, she navigates pop stardom with boundless charisma and a keen eye on her digital presence. She has become a truly global phenomenon but remains intimately connected with her fans. A born storyteller, her outfits mark the different phases of her whirlwind life every bit as clearly as her songs. From cowboy boots to cottage-core, Saint Laurent to sci-fi, onstage and on the street, her clothes are always carefully chosen to match the moment.

These pages reveal those moments in gorgeous photographic detail, with reliably astute analysis from the author of Harry Styles and the clothes he wears. The latest in a popular celebrity fashion series, this book charts the style evolution of a hyper-chic superstar at the vanguard of 21st-century culture.

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Posuka Demizu is a rising star among manga artists whose new title, The Promised Neverland, created with co-author Kaiu Shirai, is currently running in the manga magazine Weekly Shonen Jump in Japan. This first collection of Posuka’s work features outstanding art works from his career so far, along with new illustrations created especially for this edition. Readers will appreciate seeing Posuka’s vibrant characters and compositions rendered in his characteristically precise style, gathered together for the first time in a single volume.

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A collection of beautifully illustrated essays and interviews presenting a rich, inclusive, contemporary, and global vision of design diversity.

As the design industry re-examines its emphasis on Eurocentric ideologies and wrestles with its conventional practices, Centered advocates for highlighting and giving a voice to the people, places, methods, ideas, and beliefs that have been eclipsed or excluded by dominant design movements. Curated by Kaleena Sales, a powerful voice and noted advocate for diversity in the design community, the thirteen essays and interviews in this volume will feature important and underrepresented design work and projects like:

Gee’s Bend Quilters, by Stephen Child and Isabella D’Agnenica

A Chinese Typographic Archive, by YuJune Park and Caspar Lam

Indigenous Sovereignty and Design: An Interview with Sadie Red Wing

(Her Shawl is Yellow) The Truck Art of India, by Shantanu Suman

New Lessons from the Bauhaus: An Interview with Ellen Lupton

Vocal Type: An Interview with Tre Seals

Decolonizing Graphic Design, A Must, by Cheryl D. Miller

And more

A must-read for design practitioners, educators, students, and anyone interested in expanding narratives and gaining a more inclusive understanding of design.

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5,500 illustrations from the 19th century include star maps, animals, plants, minerals, fossils, geological formations, human anatomy, and much more.

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‘For millions of children, Dick Bruna’s books are the first they will encounter. They don’t know how lucky they are’ Michael Bond

This latest instalment in The Illustrators on Dutch artist Dick Bruna (1927–2017) takes readers behind the scenes of the creation of some of the world’s most endearing children’s characters. Offering a deeper appreciation of the artistry and skills behind the international icon Miffy, fellow illustrator Bruce Ingman also reveals Bruna’s lesser-known work, including his striking book and poster designs. A glimpse into his studio in Utrecht reveals a man of many media, including drawing, painting, collage and photography. All the elements of Bruna’s extensive body of work, spanning book covers, posters, stamps and merchandise, are given due significance in this illuminating study of his reputation and success. By the time of Bruna’s retirement, Miffy had become an industry in her own right and Bruna an international star far beyond the sphere of children’s books. Ingman shows us how the simple complexity of Bruna’s work appeals to children, artists and designers alike, capturing the imagination across ages and artistic disciplines.

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This excellent collection of historic decorative ornament contains over 3,000 examples ranging from the cultures of the Greeks and Romans through the Victorians. Among the many different kinds of objects depicted are fine line drawings of chairs, thrones, crowns, heraldic emblems, altars, armor, architecture, and scores of objects used in everyday life. 3002 black-and-white illustrations.

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They think it’s all over…it is now, with this comprehensive guide to football shirts through the years.

From the obscure to the ubiquitous, The Football Shirts Book is packed with over 150 original and super rare shirts from the greatest game on earth. Covering everything from the iconic to the unusual, even the most hard-core fans will find out something new about the kit of their favourite team.

Including full-colour photography, as well as interviews with football shirt design teams, musicians, and fashion designers, this guide offers a full exploration of the brands, design, and sponsorship history behind the world’s best-loved football shirts.

It is a must-have for those crazy about football shirts, as well as those whose interest is piqued by history, design, and pop-culture.

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‘I loved this book!’ – Alison Weir

‘[A] lively, gossipy forage through royal wardrobes’ – Daily Mail

‘A sparkling history’ – Dr Kate Strasdin

Peek into the wardrobes of history’s most fashionable royals

Why did women wear such heavy and uncomfortable skirts in the Elizabethan era?
What the hell happened to Charles II’s pubic hair wig?
How did Princess Diana’s revenge dress become so iconic?

Fashion for the royal family has long been one of their most powerful weapons. Every item of their clothing is imbued with meaning, history and majesty, telling a complex tale of the individuals who wore them and the houses they represented.

From the draping of a fabric to the arrangements of jewels, the clothing worn by royals is anything but coincidental. King at just nine years old, Edward VI’s clothes were padded to make him seem stronger and more manly; and the ever-conscious Elizabeth II insisted her coronation gown include all the representative flora of the commonwealth nations, and not just that of the United Kingdom. Yet reigning monarchs are not the only ones whose fashion sensibilities could mean make or break for the crown.

Original and enlightening, Rosie Harte’s complete history delicately weaves together the fashion faux pas and Vogue-worthy triumphs that chart the history of our royals from the Tudors to the Victorians right through to King Charles III and our twenty-first-century royal family. Travelling far beyond the bounds of the court, The Royal Wardrobe reveals the economic, social and political consequences of royal apparel, be it breeches, tiara, wig or waistcoat.

Each stitch has a story, you just need to know how to read them

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This is a comprehensive, hands-on guide to learning the basic drawing skills needed to successfully create video game art. “Drawing Basics for Video Game Art” demonstrates how fine art principles like drawing skills, anatomy, values and lighting and colour all apply to the creation of artwork for video games. The book features artwork from such hit video games as “Halo Reach”, “Zelda”, “Super Mario Galaxy 2”, “World of Warcraft”, “Grand Theft Auto”, “Heavy Rain” and “Little Big Planet”. Included are examples of classic to contemporary fine art in order to further show the reader the same basic principles still apply to all art forms and that video game art is very much still art.

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This irresistible, authorized, illustrated gift book from the luxury brand Hermès is an homage, in stories and drawings, to the artisans and craftsmen who have been the foundation of the iconic brand since its beginnings as a saddle-maker for the carriage trade in 19th-century Paris. The stories are short, pithy, often quite witty, and they include first-person accounts from the leather artisans, silk manufacturers, and goldsmiths, gardeners, window dressers, designers, and electricians who have plied their craft at Hermes.We learn about quirky characters in the atelier who refuse to share their tools, of an elevator ride with a visiting President Nixon that went badly wrong, of a life-sized white rhinoceros made for a window display that disappears in Switzerland, reappears in Colorado, and returns, eventually, to Paris. A concise and witty company history, the book shares genuine love for the craft of producing luxury goods of the highest quality. Even if you can’t afford to buy your partner a Hermès bag or wallet, you can afford to give them this enchanting book.

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Tilly and the Buttons: Stretch! offers perfect proof that easy-to-wear clothes can be seriously stylish with a collection of outfits that combine the comfort of stretch fabrics with Tilly Walnes’ signature look.

Even experienced stitchers are often wary of working with stretch knit fabrics, but in this book Tilly demystifies the techniques needed and shows how to sew stretchy makes on a regular sewing machine – no need for a fancy overlocker. However, if you are already an overlocker owner, the book offers a user-friendly introduction to threading and stitching with this machine too.

Aimed at dressmakers who have grasped the basics and want to expand their sewing horizons, Tilly’s tried-and-tested, learn-as-you-make approach is structured around five made-to-measure, speedy-to-sew garments. Tilly’s friendly instructions and the clear step-by-step photographs are accompanied by lots of tips and tricks to make your sewing a breeze, and the multiple variations and ideas will help you customise your garment to suit your own style.

The book includes complete, full-size patterns.

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This much-anticipated sequel to the classic volume Sneakers: The Complete Collectors’ Guide is a global survey of, and reference guide to, the very best and most collectible limited-edition sneaker designs that have been released over the last decade. The first volume was a phenomenal success and a key influence in the transformation of sneaker collecting from an underground subculture into a mainstream, multi-billion dollar business. Following publication of that book, sneaker brands began reissuing classic designs and creating shoes that would spur the second wave of sneaker collecting: limited editions and collaborations between the brands and invited artists, designers, musicians and cultural icons. This sequel showcases the very best of this new sneaker culture, featuring more than 300 designs arranged by brand. Each sneaker is accompanied by informative text and a ‘data’ box listing Edition, Pack, Year Released, Original Purpose, Technology and Extras. An essential purchase for both the hardcore sneaker freak and the first time collector, this book will also attract and seduce fashion and design aficionados.

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A comprehensive, infallibly informed reference guide for the sneaker novice and connoisseur

Sneaker culture is no longer the preserve of the hardcore sneaker freak: it is a full-blown mainstream phenomenon. Walk into any shoe shop today and you’ll be faced with a dizzying array of new designs, ‘old skool’ favourites, limited edition models and ‘rare’ shoes, all in a myriad of colourways. The sneaker has moved out from the sports arena and exploded into popular culture, a fashion staple that transcends race and class yet defines who you are in today’s urban tribes.

This encyclopaedic, profusely illustrated guide displays over 180 sneakers chosen for the impact they have made on sneaker culture worldwide. Eleven leading brands – from adidas to Vans – are discussed in detail with full histories, while a further selection – from well-loved or long-lost classics to new designs – will excite both the novice collector and the committed sneaker freak.

Packed with over 550 specially commissioned photographs, and featuring an indispensable directory of collectors’ shops, resources and websites, as well as practical tips on how to build and care for your collection, this is the definitive guide to the very best and most collectable sneaker designs.

Sneakers is written, photographed and designed by Unorthodox Styles, the team behind the leading sneaker website.

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The only instructional book on watercolour painting you will ever need!

Whether you are just starting out with watercolour painting, or you’re looking to push the boundaries and take your skills to the next level, this book contains all the inspiration and practical know-how needed to create perfect paintings and wonderful watercolour designs.

With passion on every page, you can discover:

-A step-by-step photographic guide to over 90 techniques and top tips on watercolour paintings
-Showcase spreads include stand-out paintings to analyse how the artist achieved particular effects
-Comprehensive range of techniques suitable for both beginners and experienced painters

This awe-inspiring art book starts from the very basics, such as choosing the right brushes and practising colour mixes, and then offers a plethora of tips and tricks to creating the most wonderful watercolour designs, tackling all techniques, from composition to colour theory, graduated tones to glazed tints, monochrome and more!

Each technique and stylistic approach is demonstrated by a professional artist working on an original painting, which is photographed at different stages of development to give unique insights into the artistic process involved. Tried the techniques but don’t know what to paint? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Explore a diverse range of themes, subjects and topics. From perspectives to portraits, still life to sunsets, fur and feathers, to painting the weather – there’s something for everyone to discover and love.

Did you know that interest in watercolour has increased by 25% in the last five years? So whether you’re looking to try out a new skill this New Year or perfect your paintings even further, then this may be the book for you!

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Selected for its visual impact and ease of use, this outstanding collection of wood engravings presents over 1,000 species of animals in extremely lifelike poses. Includes many different versions of familiar mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, and other invertebrates such as spiders, crabs, squid, earthworms, and more. Captions provide modern common-name identifications.

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‘He makes us see a subject we thought we knew so well from a completely different angle; in writing that is deeply researched, but inviting, warm, and full of personality’ Katy Hessel

‘Charlie Porter is a magician’ Olivia Laing

Why do we wear what we wear? To answer this question, we must go back and unlock the wardrobes of the early twentieth century, when fashion as we know it was born.

In Bring No Clothes, acclaimed fashion writer Charlie Porter brings us face to face with six members of the Bloomsbury Group, the collective of artists and thinkers who were in the vanguard of a social and sartorial revolution. Each of them offers fresh insight into the constraints and possibilities of fashion today: from the stifling repression of E. M. Forster’s top buttons to the creativity of Vanessa Bell’s wayward hems; from the sheer pleasure of Ottoline Morrell’s lavish dresses to the clashing self-consciousness of Virginia Woolf’s orange stockings. As Porter carefully unpicks what they wore and how they wore it, we see how clothing can be a means of artistic, intellectual and sexual liberation, or, conversely, a tool for patriarchal control.

Travelling through libraries, archives, attics and studios, Porter uncovers fresh evidence about his subjects, revealing them in a thrillingly intimate, vivid new light. And, as he is inspired to begin making his own clothing, his perspective on fashion – and on life – starts to change. In the end, he shows, we should all ‘bring no clothes,’ embracing a new philosophy of living: one which activates the connections between the way we dress and the way we think, act and love.

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Take the first step towards regaining control of your creative life.

What if you could take control of both your life and your creative career, avoid recurring cycles of stress and burnout, and create the optimal conditions for your potential to flourish? The good news is you can, and Mindful Creative will show you how to cultivate mindful presence and develop resilience.

Renowned creative director and bestselling author Radim Malinic shows you how and why a creative career in the 21st century can quickly become overwhelming ― and what you can do to fix it and even prevent it .Through Radim’s honest storytelling, practical exercises, and expert guidance, you’ll discover the power of mindful creativity to unleash your true potential.

Whether you’re an artist, writer, designer, or simply looking to infuse more creativity into your life, this book is your roadmap to:

• Create the optimal conditions for your creativity
• Audit your life and stop the burnout cycle
• Transform your creative process through powerful techniques and habits
• Achieve a state of flow that enhances productivity and innovation
• Celebrate everyday positive actions that light up your creative process
• Consider therapy and why it might be right for you
• Transform and grow as a creative human being in the 2020s

Mindful Creative unveils the secret synergy of mindfulness and creativity so you can not only unlock your creative potential but also lead a more balanced and fulfilling life.

If you’re ready to embark on a transformative journey to enhance your creativity and wellbeing, this is your essential guide.

Mindful Creative today and navigate the highs and lows of a creative life and career.

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A New York Times Best Art Book of 2019

“A riveting book . . . few stones are left unturned.”―Roberta Smith’s “Top Art Books of 2019,” The New York Times

This fascinating and enlightening study of the tie-on pocket combines materiality and gender to provide new insight into the social history of women’s everyday lives―from duchesses and country gentry to prostitutes and washerwomen―and to explore their consumption practices, sociability, mobility, privacy, and identity. A wealth of evidence reveals unexpected facets of the past, bringing women’s stories into intimate focus.
 
“What particularly interests Burman and Fennetaux is the way in which women of all classes have historically used these tie-on pockets as a supplementary body part to help them negotiate their way through a world that was not built to suit them.”―Kathryn Hughes, The Guardian
 

 
“A brilliant book.”―Ulinka Rublack, Times Literary Supplement

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Make-up for You

It’s time to let go of outdated beauty rules and expectations, and to discover empowering and exciting ways to express yourself. Welcome to the new beauty bible.

Sophie Hannah is the queen of creative self-expression, whether it’s everyday hair and make-up looks or incredible festival, Halloween, party and holiday styles. She doesn’t shy away from showing her true selves and having fun with her beauty and style – and neither should you!

This book has absolutely everything you need to know, from how to put together your beauty kit, take care of your skin and master basic techniques, to ideas for experimenting with hair colour and styles, and finding sustainable ways to develop your look. Including step-by-step illustrated tutorials and aspirational ideas, it is packed full of information to teach, inspire and give you the confidence to develop your own unique style.

Life is short – so let yourself feel good being you!

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