François Baudot Books

This disciplined, secretive and subversive man succeeded in overturning all the rules of contemporary dress and in rejecting every traditional clichéd notion of what a glamorous woman should look like

Youngest of the great couturiers, reluctant hero of the glamorous world of fashion, Christian Lacroix was the star that the 1980s had been waiting for, bringing new life to the sleeping world of haute couture. In founding his own house and launching his startlingly luxurious and wonderfully elegant collections, Lacroix turned all accepted wisdom on its head. Time has vindicated this shy man in love with the theatre, with literature and tradition. He is a designer whose nature is profoundly that of an artist, nourished on culture and the 'remembrance of things past' that runs like a thread through even the simplest of his dresses.

Aside from fashion, the most immediate extension of the human body is the d�cor with which we surround ourselves. This book explores the relationship between interior architecture and interior life, between the mental and the ornamental. Taking readers inside some of the most beautiful houses in the world, subjects range from the medieval era to the 20th century, covering design from the Belle �poque era to contemporary aesthetics.

Chanel is a fashion word that everyone the epitome of taste, glamour and style. Founded in the '20s by the legendary Coco Chanel, the House of Chanel continues to fuel fashion to this day. This book illustrates in colour the trademarks of Chanel style - the little black dress, the instantly recognizable Chanel suit, the glittering costume jewelry - and explores the outstanding career of the woman who credited her success to "having been in the right place at the right time".

France is the world's largest exporter of luxury goods and this fascinating volume places these products and their manufacture into historical and cultural context, examining the history, techniques, and contemporary trends in the luxury crafts for which France is most famous. French notions of quality and culture are explored, along with the repercussions of today's association of traditional crafts with modern technology.Nine chapters, each providing in-depth treatment of one craft, explore the traditions, techniques and artistry which contribute to the great diversity of French craftsmanship. Written in a lively and informative style, the test is based on a series of interviews conducted in the vineyards, traditional workshops, and modern laboratories of today's luxury goods' industries. An illustrated overview identifies landmark dates and key personalities in the history and modern development of each craft; a glossary and bibliography provide complementary information.

A perspective on inspirational design from the interior magazine, "Elle Decoration". It explores the work, influences and principles of great French contemporary designers, including Philippe Starck, Didier Gomez, Christian Liagne, Andree Puttman and Jacques Grange. There are over 200 pictures from interiors photographers, along with ideas for transforming any room, from the simple and chic to the exotic.