Dandies: Fashion and Finesse in Art and Culture considers the visual languages, politics, and poetics of personal appearance. Dandyism has been most closely associated with influential caucasian Western men-about-town, epitomized by the 19th century style-setting of Oscar Wilde and by Tom Wolfe's white suits. The essays collected here, however, examine the spectacle and workings of dandyism to reveal that these were not the only dandies. On the contrary, art historians, literary and cultural historians, and anthropologists identify unrecognized dandies flourishing among early 19th century Native Americans, in Soviet Latvia, in Africa, throughout the African-American diaspora, among women, and in the art world.

Moving beyond historical and fictional accounts of dandies, this volume juxtaposes theoretical models with evocative images and descriptions of clothing in order to link sartorial self-construction with artistic, social, and political self-invention. Taking into consideration the vast changes in thinking about identity in the academy, Dandies provides a compelling study of dandyism's destabilizing aesthetic enterprise.

Contributors: Jennifer Blessing, Susan Fillin-Yeh, Rhonda Garelick, Joe Lucchesi, Kim Miller, Robert E. Moore, Richard J. Powell, Carter Ratcliffe, and Mark Allen Svede.

A timely handbook helping readers think about how to slow down, reconnect, and live a gentler life.

Monocle has always been a champion of taking it slow. Past issues have encouraged readers to dive into a lake and go for a run. To sleep well. To eat food made with love. Even today, in a tense moment in history, the magazine has done its bit to argue for a new modern etiquette where communities are generous with their time, hospitality, and forgiveness. Now its editors and correspondents have brought all of this together into one volume with The Monocle Manifesto for a Gentler Life, a book that urges us all to slow down, reconnect, make good things, and think about the spaces we call home.

Some of the highlights of this volume include: An illustrated guide to being nice, respecting your neighbors, and controlling your social media rants; practical tips on how to design a house that’s good for you and your family; Q&As with the people who have decided to take a gentler approach to work and living; and a celebration of locally made food―with featured recipes―as well as the chefs that bring people together. The helpful tips and insights in this guide make it the perfect handbook for anyone looking to slow down and enjoy life.

Illustrated in color throughout.

A practical introduction to key fashion trends from the little black dress and bowler hat to the ladies trouser suit and 2:55 bag. Fashion is all around us, and few of us are unaffected by it; yet, how many people know the origins of the little black dress, bowler hat or ladies trouser suit? How many people can pin down the famous brand of leather jacket Marlon Brando wore in The Wild One, or why the Chanel bag is known as the 2:55 bag? How to Read Fashion identifies the main fashion trends of the past 200 years and shows you how they relate to contemporary styles. From Neo-Classical to Gothic, Empire to Punk, Military and Designer Branding, explore the defining characteristics of each 'look' and read about the techniques and materials for some additional technical grounding. Finally, find out how all these trends are applied in the world of men's and women's fashions, including formal, casual and leisure wear, as well as accessories, jewellery, hair styles and make-up. As both a dip-in reference and stylish resource, How to Read Fashion equips you with the visual vocabulary to understand, investigate and interpret styles.

A Japanese-inspired guide to living a happier, more fulfilled life. Japonisme explores the Japanese art of finding contentment and includes practical tips and tricks to live a happier, healthier, more thoughtful life. What is your ikigai (purpose)? How do you practice mindfulness in the unpredictability and chaos of everyday life? From shinrinyoku (forest bathing), calligraphy, ikebana (fl ower arranging) to tea ceremonies and their approach to food, the Japanese have found contentment through traditions,philosophies, and the practice of art. This book shows how we can all incorporate aspects of Japonisme into our daily lives. Enhance your lifestyle and enrich your mind by looking at life through the lens of wabi-sabi (the transient nature of life), kintsugi (repairing broken ceramics with gold) or kaizen (habit-forming techniques), in an accessible, practical way.

Relax. Refresh. Restart. Amid the commotion of everyday life, finding a few precious moments of "me time" can be challenging. With so many demands on our attention, knowing how to get the most out of our limited downtime is more important than ever. Discover new ways to take some time out with this invaluable guide to finding and creating sanctuary. Whether you're searching for serenity at home or seeking solace in the great outdoors, this book is packed with self-care tips, calming crafts and delicious recipes to help you relax, recharge and rejuvenate.

Learn to make every moment a once-in-a-lifetime experience with this definitive guide to the Japanese art of ichigo ichie, from the bestselling authors of Ikigai. 'Ikigai urges individuals to simplify their lives by pursuing what sparks joy for them' (Marie '' Kondo) Every moment in our life happens only once, and if we let it slip away, we lose it forever-an idea captured by the Japanese phrase ichigo ichie. Often used to convey that the encounter is unique and special, it is a tenet of Zen Buddhism and is attributed to a sixteenth-century master of the Japanese tea ceremony, or 'ceremony of attention', whose intricate rituals compel us to focus on the present moment. From this age-old concept comes a new kind of mindfulness. In The Book of Ichigo Ichie, you will learn to use all five senses to anchor yourself in the present. Every one of us contains a key that can open the door to attention, harmony with others, and love of life. And that key is ichigo ichie. 'This is a great little book to lift the spirits and remind us of the importance of living in the 'now', not worrying about the past or future.' - 5* Reader Review 'This book should act as a wakeup call. Make each now a sacred moment. Pay attention! Make each moment special!' - 5* Reader Review 'The authors of Ikigai have offered another brief and masterful addition for those seeking out a simpler and more fulfilling life.' - 5* Reader Review

What does it mean to be Italian? Is it pausing to enjoy an aperitivo or gelato? A passeggiata down a laneway steeped in history? An August spent tanning at the beach? This book is a celebration of the Italian lifestyle - an education in drinking to savour the moment, travelling indulgently, and cherishing food and culture. A lesson in the dolce far niente: the sweetness of doing nothing. We may not all live in the bel paese, but anyone can learn from the rich tapestry of life on the boot. From the innovation of Italian fashion and design, the Golden Age of its cinema to the Roman Empire's cultural echoes (and some very good espresso), take a dip into the Italian psyche and learn to eat, love, dress, think and have fun as only the Italians can.

Style: The Art of Creating a Beautiful Home is a timeless interiors book that shows you how to transform your living spaces using what you own and love. While designing can be a big investment, styling allows you to elevate your spaces with what you've already got. This book is at once beautiful and practical, demystifying the creative process of styling so that you can create a beautiful home with confidence. Based on more than a decade of industry experience and teaching, this book will show you how to connect with your own personal style and enjoy inspiring, welcoming and authentic interiors. Styling is both an art and a science - and you can learn both. The inviting chapters explore identifying your style; design principles; transforming spaces; visual storytelling; and nurturing your craft. As well, author and renowned interior stylist Natalie Walton steps through significant rooms in the house to provide expert insider insights on how you can create magical styling moments in your home. The book is beautifully shot by photographer Chris Warnes, who has collaborated with Natalie on her previous books, This is Home: The Art of Simple Living and Still: The Slow Home.

Looking for a cleaner home without the upkeep taking over your whole life? Those of us living in the real world know that it can be challenging to keep a clean and tidy home. Busy lifestyles, shared housing, physical limitations or mental health issues can all contribute to making a once calm environment feel daunting and stressful. The Unf*ck Your Habitat system in Less Mess, Less Stress works with you, not against you, and shows how just thirty minutes (including a ten minute break!) can transform any space. With low-effort, high-reward tricks, tips, lists and challenges, Rachel Hoffman's reassuring guide is full of no-nonsense advice and practical help on things you can do today for a less messy tomorrow. While this book won't wash your dishes or fold your laundry, it will give you all the tools you'll need to stay on top because everyone deserves - and can have - a home with less mess and less stress. Previously published as Unf*ck Your Habitat: You're Better than Your Mess

In this groundbreaking book, based on the 12-week fitness project , one of the world s largest and most successful public health projects, she will guide you step by step, giving you one simple guideline to follow each week. By the end of three months you will have transformed your habits in twelve crucial ways.The result? You ll find you have lost inches and have better sleep and energy levels, lesser acidity, bloating and sweet cravings and reduced PMS and period pain.

Audrey Hepburn: The Illustrated World of a Fashion Icon is a stunning illustrated biography of style and screen legend Audrey Hepburn, from internationally renowned fashion illustrator Megan Hess. From Sabrina to Breakfast at Tiffany's, Audrey Hepburn is renowned for her unforgettable film roles and fashion looks, but less well known is her fascinating life, including her childhood in Nazi-occupied Holland and her tireless dedication to helping those less fortunate than herself. In this book, Megan's beautiful illustrations follow Hepburn through three distinct chapters: her early life in World War II Europe, dreaming of becoming a ballerina; her ingenue years as the rising star of Hollywood and her incredible fashion partnership with Hubert de Givenchy; and her private life beyond the silver screen, building a legacy through her humanitarian work. Elegantly enclosed by a hardback cover and ribbon, Audrey Hepburn: The Illustrated World of a Fashion Icon is a beautiful celebration of a woman whose life was as remarkable as the clothes she wore and the movies she starred in, with every surprising detail and iconic outfit brought to life on the page by the expert hand of Megan Hess.