What do you think?
Rate this book
Illustrated World of Couture
A stunning exploration of fashion's premier art form with internationally renowned illustrator Megan Hess.
Hundreds of hours, many expert hands and unimaginable metres of couture is truly wearable art, where creativity and craftsmanship collide. Megan Hess has spent her career documenting fashion's most beautiful people, places and pieces. In The Illustrated World of Couture, she brings to life its most important – and intriguing – art form, with fascinating insights and exceptional illustrations.
Worn by only a handful of people worldwide, couture still has incredible influence, even beyond the traditional boundaries of fashion. In this unique collection, follow Megan through the intricate details, multifaceted inspirations and dramatic shows that define the couture experience. Let her introduce you to the generations of creators who conceive and craft these fantastical garments, and the collectors who treasure them. And travel with her to the exclusive ateliers and glamorous events of the world's fashion capitals to see how couture is both designed and displayed.
Megan Hess invites you to discover The Illustrated World of Couture in this essential volume for all fashion devotees.
Hundreds of hours, many expert hands and unimaginable metres of couture is truly wearable art, where creativity and craftsmanship collide. Megan Hess has spent her career documenting fashion's most beautiful people, places and pieces. In The Illustrated World of Couture, she brings to life its most important – and intriguing – art form, with fascinating insights and exceptional illustrations.
Worn by only a handful of people worldwide, couture still has incredible influence, even beyond the traditional boundaries of fashion. In this unique collection, follow Megan through the intricate details, multifaceted inspirations and dramatic shows that define the couture experience. Let her introduce you to the generations of creators who conceive and craft these fantastical garments, and the collectors who treasure them. And travel with her to the exclusive ateliers and glamorous events of the world's fashion capitals to see how couture is both designed and displayed.
Megan Hess invites you to discover The Illustrated World of Couture in this essential volume for all fashion devotees.
- GenresFashionNonfictionArt
224 pages, Hardcover
Published October 20, 2020
2 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Megan Hess
111 books242 followersMegan Hess was destined to draw.
An initial career in graphic design evolved into art direction for some of the world’s leading design agencies. In 2008 Hess illustrated the New York Times number one selling book Sex And The City - written by Candace Bushnell. She has since illustrated portraits for Vanity Fair and Time, created iconic accessories for Henri Bendel and illustrated the windows of Bergdorf Goodman in New York.
Hess’s signature style can also be found on her bespoke range of silk scarves, cushions and Limited Edition prints sold around the globe.
She has written and illustrated 3 best selling books: Fashion House, The Dress and Coco Chanel.
Her renowned clients include: Prada, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Yves Saint Laurent, Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Fendi, Ladurée, Givenchy, Wedgwood, Salvatore Ferragamo, Michelle Obama, Cartier, Laduree, Montblanc, Balenciaga, Guerlain, Paspaley, Tag Heuer, and Disney.
An initial career in graphic design evolved into art direction for some of the world’s leading design agencies. In 2008 Hess illustrated the New York Times number one selling book Sex And The City - written by Candace Bushnell. She has since illustrated portraits for Vanity Fair and Time, created iconic accessories for Henri Bendel and illustrated the windows of Bergdorf Goodman in New York.
Hess’s signature style can also be found on her bespoke range of silk scarves, cushions and Limited Edition prints sold around the globe.
She has written and illustrated 3 best selling books: Fashion House, The Dress and Coco Chanel.
Her renowned clients include: Prada, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Yves Saint Laurent, Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Fendi, Ladurée, Givenchy, Wedgwood, Salvatore Ferragamo, Michelle Obama, Cartier, Laduree, Montblanc, Balenciaga, Guerlain, Paspaley, Tag Heuer, and Disney.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 16, 2021
A glossy but shallow book with very short, platitude-heavy blurbs on subjects like 'royal patrons' accompanied by the author's own couture illustrations (not photographs). A sample sentence (in the short 'Embroidery' blurb, p. 127): 'And the embroidered leopard-print dress Francois did for Jean Paul Gaultier in 1998 has to be seen to be believed'. Seeing it would certainly be nice, but no illustration (or better yet, photo) is included. This happens often throughout the book.
There is so little text that it took me under an hour to read this 223 page book cover to cover. It functions (barely) as a basic introduction to couture, but offers just about as much information as the wikipedia articles on the subject, which is very disappointing from a fashion insider - or possibly to be expected from an insider who has no interest in rocking the boat by revealing trade secrets. The most interesting sections are the very brief introductions to who is involved in the construction of the garments, but otherwise this is not even useful as a coffee table book unless you're particularly into the author's illustration style. A shame.
There is so little text that it took me under an hour to read this 223 page book cover to cover. It functions (barely) as a basic introduction to couture, but offers just about as much information as the wikipedia articles on the subject, which is very disappointing from a fashion insider - or possibly to be expected from an insider who has no interest in rocking the boat by revealing trade secrets. The most interesting sections are the very brief introductions to who is involved in the construction of the garments, but otherwise this is not even useful as a coffee table book unless you're particularly into the author's illustration style. A shame.
December 25, 2021
Given how absolutely un-fashionable I am my fascination with the world of Haute Couture is a bit of a mystery. I fell in love with Megan Hess' illustrative style whenever it was that I first saw it. This book has been languishing neglected on my bedside table for over a year. I set to reading it over the past few days. And loved it. It's beautiful to behold, and has lots of interesting tidbits in it. I'm planning on googling many of the iconic designs or shows mentioned.
March 30, 2023
A pleasant book all about the world of Couture. Its not a world i will ever inhabit so it was a snaek peak into that world.
The book is illustrated beautifully by the author but i think it only gave us the barest of looks inside this world and i think that there is more to learn. I wish we could of seen more of the dresses that the author mentions.
#Fashion #illustrations #couture
The book is illustrated beautifully by the author but i think it only gave us the barest of looks inside this world and i think that there is more to learn. I wish we could of seen more of the dresses that the author mentions.
#Fashion #illustrations #couture
April 24, 2022
This book is simply beautiful. It's filled with lovely fashion illustrations and interesting insights into the roles of the creators who bring couture to life.
March 27, 2024
Wonderful illustrations to go with this overview of the world of fashion.
February 28, 2021
A beautifully written book, once again, from Megan Hess - this is my favourite of all her collections. Not only are the factual aspects of this book fascinating, but her true love and passion for the world of couture is obvious in her words, and is mostly why I love the fashion industry so much as well. A stunning illustrated insight into the somewhat secretive world of couture around the world.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews