This luxurious book explores the rise of tartan from its humble Highland origins to high fashion and home decor. . . After reading the book, you'll be digging through your closet for that Alexander McQueen tartan Empire-waist dress or balenciage plaid mini bell skirt to wear to your next Highland fling. - ENTREE HOLIDAY MAGAZINE
This is a wonderful book for fashionistas, and an interesting, if short, biography on Patricia Underwood's career. - PORTLAND BOOK REVIEW The book is exquisitely crafted to provide the reader with everything he or she might need to know about millinery, millinery techniques, the designer's inspirations, and her life. . . The authors have accomplished a book of the fashion genre that appeals to its reader on more levels than one can imagine . - NY JOURNAL OF BOOKS Stunning, gorgeous, informative --this is far more than a coffee table book to decorate your room. There's no doubt that after reading this book, you'll have a new appreciation for the role of 'The Hat' in that perfect outfit. - QUILL BOOK REVIEWS
The authoritative fashion history of the roots, growth, and offshoots of the quintessentially American preppy style. Preppy offers the first definitive and in-depth volume on preppy fashion, exploring its evolution from its pragmatic origins and presence on elite Eastern campuses in America to its profound influence internationally and metamorphosis on the runway. For the first time, the preppy story is told completely and beautifully with iconic and never-before-published archival and editorial photographs and personal snapshots from the original Ivy elites. Exploring all facets of men’s and women’s preppy fashion, this vibrant volume is replete with photographs and vintage ads illustrating the iconic elements of prep: from Oxford shirts, khakis, and Shetland sweaters to Peter Pan collars, madras pants, and Lilly Pulitzer tropical blooms. Authors Jeffrey Banks and Doria de La Chapelle also examine the fashion designers who played a major role in shaping the preppy look, from retail pioneers J.Press and Brooks Brothers to Ralph Lauren, who single-handedly marketed not just a look but a lifestyle. Also featured: a band of young twenty-first century Ivy stylists and fashion labels worldwide, who have infused preppy with high-octane design on and off the runway. Preppy is a stunning tribute to an American phenomenon.