Masterpiece Monday:: Thea Porter: Bohemian Chic

Disclaimer:  I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review 

Title: Thea Porter: Bohemian Chic
Author: Laura McLaws Helms and Venetia Porter
Publisher: V & A Publishing 
Publication Date: April 7, 2015
ISBN:9781851778263
Number of Pages: 160
How I Got It: direct from publisher
Format: hardback

Publicist's Summary:
Thea Porter (1927–2000) came to epitomize bohemian chic in the 1960s and ’70s, using an eclectic mix of luxurious fabrics for her signature flowing dresses that became favorites of stylish women everywhere. Faye Dunaway, Joan Collins, Barbra Streisand, and Elizabeth Taylor were fans; Vogue’s Diana Vreeland championed her clothes; and today vintage Thea Porter is worn by Kate Moss, Nicole Richie, and other fashionistas. This first book devoted to the UK-based fashion designer features new photography of her fabulous clothes and jewelry as well as press clippings, sketches, and excerpts from an unpublished memoir she wrote about her aesthetics, philosophies, and work.
My Review:
I admit...I had never heard of Thea Porter before I read this book, and it's no wonder since this is the first book devoted to her. From her beginnings in Damascus and Beirut through London, New York, Los Angeles, and Paris, this book chronicles the life and evolution of the designer and her bohemian collections. This stylish visual biography contains Porter's sketches (some of her younger ones done on lined notebook paper,) magazine features (lots of Vogue highlights,) personal photographs, and sassy quotes. Detailed descriptions of her pieces as well as the places and people that influenced her accompany the rich, gorgeous photography. The photos alone had me doing some online searches for vintage Thea Porter. I am so happy to have this book on my coffee table and I recommend it to anyone with a love of fashion or interest in trends and their histories.

Note About the Author:
Laura McLaws Helms is a New York-based fashion historian. She is curator of Thea Porter at the Fashion and Textile Museum, London. Venetia Porter is assistant keeper at the British Museum. She is Thea Porter's daughter.

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