Friday 21 February 2014

February Book Review: Sew Iconic by Liz Gregory



My Dad gave me this book for Christmas two years ago, and I spent most of the day pouring through it. A brilliant source for movie lovers and dress makers alike, Liz Gregory’s book is a lovely combination of dress making types and hollywood history, complete with dress patterns!
In it, Ms Gregory gives a superb presentation of recreating 10 gowns seen on the big screen, from Marilyn’s Monroe’s white number seen in The Seven Year Itch, as well as Keira Knightley’s green satin gown in Atonement. Though as a costumer, there are some dresses I wouldn’t consider that epic to be included-for example, Catherine Zeta Jones’s flapper number from Chicago does not have half as much stardom as Grace Kelley’s black and white gown in Rear View Window.
Each chapter, dedicated to one dress, is also a great read. Including the actor’s bio, some text provides details about the costume designer and their design for the film. Next it offers sewing tips, including fabric options and even some fun styling tips. Though I’ve gotta point out, these dresses are more of an adaption of the original designs, so don’t expect to be making exact replicas but simplified versions of them.
A gold mine of info for any Hollywood fan, as well as easy to follow break downs for both experienced and amateur dress makers. 

Final Score: 4/5

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