Fabrics

This is an exuberant and comprehensive tour of this most versatile design element -- its history, technology and lore -- lavishly illustrated with hundreds of imaginative ideas from the worlds foremost contemporary designers and decorators. Incomparably rich in variety and detail, Fabrics will inspire, inform and simply fascinate anyone in love with the textile arts. Following an historical introduction that tells the story of fabrics from ancient Egypt through the Industrial Revolution to the present day, the authors take a detailed look at individual fabrics -- cotton, linen, silk and wool. Chapters on upholstery, bed hangings and drapery show how fabrics can be sewn, stuffed, contoured, hung, swagged and thrown into nearly every imaginable form. Even the use of trim -- passementerie -- is explored in a chapter of its own, with a wealth of fringe, tassels and tiebacks. Finally, some of the best international decorators are showcased in A Creative Album. Also included are an invaluable glossary and a directory of sources. Caroline Lebeau is a leading stylist for Vogue Decoration. Her work has appeared in House Beautiful, HG and Maison et Jardin. Jacques Dirand is one of the worlds most prominent photographers of interiors for such publications as Elle, Marie Claire and Architectural Digest. Patricia Corbett is an art historian and curator. Her publications include Verdura, Roman Art and With Compliments: An Illustrated History of Visiting Cards. She was the former European editor of The Connoisseur and her articles have appeared in The New York Review of Books, Atlantic Monthly, Condé Nast Traveller and the New York Times.