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$49.00
Members Save 10% at The Museum Store
Charles James, often considered to be America’s first couturier, was renowned in the 1940s and 1950s as a master at sculpting fabric for the female form and creating fashions that defined mid-century glamour. Although James had no formal training as a dressmaker, he created strikingly original and complex designs, including intricate ball gowns worn by members of high society in New York and Europe. This lavishly illustrated book offers a comprehensive study of James’ life and work, highlighting his virtuosity and inventiveness as well as his influence on subsequent fashion designers.
Featuring exciting new photography of the spectacular evening dresses James produced between 1947 and 1955, this publication includes enlightening details of these intricate creations alongside vintage photographs and rarely seen archival items, such as patterns, muslins, dress forms, and sketches. A detailed and illustrated chronology of James’ life describes his magnetic personality, his unorthodox design processes, his colorful supporters—such as Salvador Dalí, Elsa Schiaparelli, Christian Dior, and Cristobal Balenciaga—and profiles of a number of his famous clients, such as Gypsy Rose Lee. With flair and style echoing that of its subject, Charles James brings to life one of the most fascinating and creative figures in American fashion.
Hardcover | 264 pages.
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We do offer express shipments through UPS 2 and 3 Day Air. We also offer shipping via USPS Priority Mail (1-3 days to most US locations.)
We ship all international orders with tracking to your address via USPS. Most products can be shipped to international addresses. Recipient is responsible for all applicable customs duties, tariffs, taxes or Value Added Tax (VAT), which are collected by the carrier upon delivery. Shipping rates are calculated based on weight and destination.
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In-store pickup is available on most items at no charge by selecting the pickup option at checkout. An email notification is generated and sent as soon as items are packaged and ready for pickup.
Pickup is available Wednesday - Sunday, 10am - 5pm. Please visit The Museum Store or park near the red dinosaur sculpture on the north side of The Museum and call 602-257-2182 when you arrive. We can bring your items out to you.
An additional email notification will be sent for any items not picked up after 10 days of order receipt.
Orders not picked up after 20 days of order receipt will receive a final email notification.
Items not picked up after 30 days of order receipt will be considered abandoned and processed as a donation to The Museum.
Please inspect your order upon delivery. If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, you may return the merchandise for a replacement, exchange, or refund within 30 days of purchase with the original receipt and product tag attached.
Clearance items and consumables such as nail polish and perfume are final sale and non-returnable. Gift recipients will receive a merchandise credit in the form of a Museum Store gift card.
Museum Store Returns
1625 N Central Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona 85004
Tel. 602-257-2182
Members of Phoenix Art Museum save 10% off all regularly priced merchandise!
Members of Phoenix Art Museum save 10% off all regularly priced merchandise!
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