Vera: The Art and Life of an Icon

by Susan Seid, Jen Renzi (Contributor), Vera Company (Contributor)

Legendary designer and artist Vera Neumann (1907–1993) believed in art’s ability to inspire and enrich lives. An innovator and one of the most successful female entrepreneurs of her time, Vera built her company on a radical fine art should be accessible to everyone, not just a select few. Known for her iconic images of cheerful flowers, trendy geometrics, and vibrant ladybugs, she believed people should surround themselves with beauty.

For the first time, The Art and Life of an Icon , tells her inspiring story through the art and designs she created. In this volume, richly illustrated with Vera’s original sketches, paintings, and photographs of her worldwide travels, readers are introduced to the amazing woman behind the dynamic designs that continue to inspire and influence art, design, and fashion.

Genres: Art, Fashion, Biography, Nonfiction

208 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2010

Reviews

[Gather RI · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the most influential woman textile designers of the post war period - and she ran her own multi-million dollar company. Vera’s products, particularly her scarves, were so omnipresent in the 1960s and 1970s in America that you can still find tons of vintage items for sale on Etsy and eBay.

While her design was buoyantly sophisticated (cheerful colors, elegant patterns, influenced by Scandinavian design and nature), her prices were low enough that nearly every woman could afford a Vera.

This book is packed with wonderful photos which are probably useful for design historians. The text is basically written by a fan and it’s not terribly in depth. However, it’s worth a read for inspirational purposes. There are so very few books about successful self-made woman entrepreneurs, particularly those outside cosmetics. In that sense, this is an important business book in its own right.

[Rhode PVD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeously illustrated coffee table book. I wished more of the illustrations were captioned, some are, some are not. I liked learning about Vera’s life and business, but it’s not super detailed or in depth. It’s also written from a position of glowing praise, which makes sense as the author is a big fan who runs a business based on Vera’s designs.

As a businessperson though, I can read between the lines and gain a sense of the company as a case study, as well as the methods behind her art.

And what a company it was! Stupendously influential...yet her name is not as famous these days as it deserves.

Absolutely worth paging through, particularly on a grey day.

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book about the lady behind all the scarves.

[Mariah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational. Its actually quite a good read, considering its really a coffee table book.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty.

[katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was on the sale shelf at anthropology so I got it since I grew up loving her textiles... I was not disappointed!!!

[Elana Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book makes me happy. Especially enjoyed the discussion and photos of her house. Also appreciated the numerous photos that showed how her sketches turned into scarf designs.

[Robynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am such a Vera Neumann fan and while on an eBay shopping binge I learned of this book. I enjoyed the format and am grateful for the information. I will be going back to this book again and again.

[Rose Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful book.