Style Book II: Pattern and Print

Few books or authors possess such a laser focus on such a distinct yet integral aspect of fashion. Elizabeth Walker has opted to dissect patterns and prints within the world of fashion, and she does it in such a way that results in both informative as well as entertaining reading.

Despite its almost phone book thickness and slightly diminished trim size, this book keeps the reader engrossed on the subject and yet allows the reader the luxury of installment reading. Each page is devoted to one image and every image is illustrative of the point or observation being made.

Walker covers this area of fashion with a precise eye and allows the reader to see a true cross section of just how the elements of prints and patterns have played into the continuum of fashion. What may seem to be the commonplace, like a stripe or a check, takes on a new importance and influence when explored by the author. Walker uses photos of prints and styles we might recognize as well as lesser known ones in order to make her point.

Those curious about fashion will surely glean a history of such patterns like leopard or the Hawaiian or even icons like Mickey Mouse. One must never assume that there is anything that hasn’t been done before unless you can track the trend to its origins which is what Walker has done.

Consider Style Book II: Pattern and Print your visual dictionary or glossary for all fashion, whether it is in its native manifestation or in its 21st century version. The minute amount of text and over 400 images will beckon revisitation. The only deficit in the selection and description of photos is that you wish there was a provenance given to the article of clothing rather than just a date and a specific inherent design element.