Denim: From Cowboys to Catwalks: A History of the World's Most Legendary Fabric

by Graham Marsh, Paul Trynka, June Marsh (Editor)

The story of denim is a tale rich in paradox. Cherished alike by cowboys and models, the fabric is at once a symbol of the counterculture and the raw material of a major industry. A simple fabric, dating back to 17th-century France, denim today is ubiquitous: Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood have pushed it into the forefront of high fashion; and Calvin Klein and Giorgio Armani have made it the basis for billion-dollar brands. This homage to the much-loved fabric delves deep into the archives to trace the origins and development of denim. It features rare pictures of icons wearing denim, like Marilyn Monroe and Steve McQueen, plus specially commissioned photos of rare and classic garments from the 1880s to the present day. It is complete with a glossary and a guide to valuable vintage items.

Genres: Fashion

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Graham Marsh is an art director, illustrator and writer. He has written and art directed many ground-breaking visual books, including The Cover Art of Blue Note Records, Volumes I and II, East Coasting and California Cool. He has co-authored and art directed Denim – From Cowboys to Catwalks and a series of books with Tony Nourmand on movie posters. His most recent projects include The Ivy Look and an illustrated children’s book, Max and the Lost Note. He is also the creator of the Kamakura Vintage Ivy style shirts.
Graham’s illustrations have appeared in magazines, newspapers and on many CD and album covers. He has contributed to numerous publications including Country Life and Financial Times. He lives in Greenwich, south-east London.
Graham is the Art Director of The Rat Pack (R|A|P Two) and Weddings and Movie Stars.
He is the Art Director and Writer of Hollywood and The Ivy Look.

Reviews

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really a 3.5. Great visuals, interesting history but it is 100% American, all about the US, and that would have been nice to know going in. A subtitle that made it clear would have been useful.