Colibris

Here is the first and indispensable guide to cruising in style. Brilliantly illustrated throughout and packed with practical information, it presents cruises to suit every taste, from the all-in fun and entertainment of the latest floating resorts, to the quiet elegance of a classic tall ship. Fun, luxury, relaxation and adventure - “The Contemporary Cruise” will open your eyes to the amazing possibilities of cruising today.

This beautifully illustrated, full-colour history of costume has been produced by bestselling author John Peacock especially for children. With over 320 hand-drawn illustrations, and clearly written descriptions on every page, the book offers a broad survey of Western costume from ancient times through to the present day, and is sure to delight any child with an interest in fashion or history, as well as being an invaluable educational resource.

Since its inception in 1998, “Tank” magazine has been at the vanguard of experimental fashion publishing. Following the success of the first book, hailed as ’stunning’ by “The Herald”,” Tank Too” brings together the highlights of the latest issues, showcasing the brightest and best young photographers, illustrators and stylists to have graced the large-format magazine.

This comprehensive A-Z guide embraces all of modern design’s numerous manifestations: graphics, products, interiors, furniture, industrial and architectural design. Guy Julier examines not only the work of important designers world-wide, but also the many dramatic changes that have influenced design and its uses in the 20th century. Thus political and ideological concepts, such as feminism and green design, are defined and explained, as are new technological advances, new materials and techniques and influential movements in modern culture.

The text incorporates extensive cross-referencing and full bibliographical notes, along with a chronological chart of design highlights since 1900.

Dolls’ houses have become a major worldwide hobby with hours spent on building the houses and creating the furniture to fill them. This book, however, looks at the dolls themselves; how they should be dressed and how to make the clothes. Once complete, they will provide the final touch to your Victorian household and be an endless source of pride and joy. Topics covered include: - How to construct a doll and advice on useful equipment. - The development of fashions and sketching your own designs. - Detailed instructions on one-twelfth scale miniature fashions for a wedding party of c. 1850-1890. - Individual patterns for twenty-six dolls ranging from bride, dowager duke to parlour maids. - Fully illustrated with colour photographs of each doll.

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The antistyle bible for those who ignore makeover culture, “Living Normally” is an interiors book with a difference. Fifteen inhabitants of ordinary homes are given the chance to air their views on life at home today and to have the world come for a cuppa at their place. The results are a snapshot of Britain today and a refreshing reminder that a home should be a place to escape to; to feel happy in; and to live in.

This affectionately photographed look at our everyday homes is a celebration of nice people, the modern family and our need to surround ourselves with memories and the curious ephemera of daily existence. Meet Evelyn, the lady who came from St Vincent and stayed because she loves the snow. Share some time with Ivy, whose house is full of memories of her children and her beloved Albert, the spoon-playing policeman whom she recently lost.

Enjoy these and all the others in this charming evocation of simple existence.

In this book Francesca Alfano Miglietti offers a collection of everything that has created scandal, enthusiasm, excitement and a sense of participation in fashion, and examines the construction and de-construction of our bodies and our identities, beginning with what we wear and the relationship our clothes have with all that is contemporary. In 44 interviews, previously published in the Italian art magazine Virus, designers and photographers define their concept of fashion. The simple yet extravagant style of Ann Demeulemeester, the multiethnic contaminations of Romeo Gigli, the nihilist and aggressive look of Alexander McQueen, the erotic and ironic play of Anna Molinari, the irreverence and unpredictability of Jean-Paul Gaultier, the audacity of the queen of fashion Vivienne Westwood, and more are discussed and illustrated in this highly-readable and visually delightful book.

Whether it’s the tiny hand-held jewel that holds only a lipstick or the trendy Prada backpack, handbags are our most essential accessory. The ultimate status symbol, bags also speak volumes about our approach to style. This gorgeous book presents the best of contemporary design from the world’s leading firms. Ranging from the status bags of Gucci and Hermès to the exquisite beaded purses of Jamin Puech and Nathalie Hambro, and laden with color photos and sketches, Bags: A Lexicon of Style is a must for fashion lovers and those with a sense of bags as art. Valerie Steele is Chief Curator of The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Among her books are The Corset: A Cultural History, Paris Fashion, Fetish, and Fifty Years of Fashion.

This book - according to the Antiques Roadshow’s jewelry expert Geoffrey Munn - is ‘an essential for every student and collector of jewelry, irrespective of their particular interest or budget’. Featuring over 1,500 colour, specially commissioned illustrations of all kinds and styles of jewelry from 1900 to 2000, the book is arranged in 20-year sections, with every picture accompanied by a full description.