The World of Gloria Vanderbilt

When I got Wendy Goodman's The World of Gloria Vanderbilt from the library, I was overwhelmed by the beauty. Goodman shows an excellent use of color and a talent for page layouts in this photobook/biography about Gloria Vanderbilt, who was born into the rich Vanderbilt family who gained their fortune "from railroad and shipping empires".

Photographed by Horst P. Horst; Gloria was only 17

Gloria with her future husband Pat De Cicco and Rita Hayworth at El Morocco

Gloria with Salvador Dali in 1941

A painting by Gloria

Photographed by John Rawlings

Gloria's privileged lifestyle allowed her to play many different roles; such as an actress, model, writer, designer, muse, and mother - to Anderson Cooper no less! She was photographed by the likes of Richard Avedon and Horst P. Horst, and dated Old Hollywood big-wigs such as Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando, and Howard Hughes - but the role I love her in the most is that of a painter.

Photographed by Cecil Beaton in 1953

A self-portrait

There is something incredibly endearing about Gloria's paintings - her use of cartoonish lines and bright colors put a smile on my face, and the fabrics she designed are just beautiful!

LINKS
The World of Gloria Vanderbilt on Amazon
Gloria's Official Website

♥, Kailey

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On My Bookshelf: Girl on Fire

Edie Sedgwick's status as an icon is undeniable - her influence in style and beauty is still very apparent. The artist who rose above her rich family's stifling grasp into Andy Warhol's infamous muse is intertwined with tragedy for me, her downward spiral that eventually lead to her death never far from my mind.

In EDIE: GIRL ON FIRE, the author collects quotes and stories into a truly beautiful and poignant portrait of the star. But what really impresses me about the book is the design - filled to the brim with full-page, high quality, glossy pictures of Edie, and sprinkled with dashes of color and incredible typography.

This book is an absolute must have for fans of Edie, fashion, Andy Warhol, and the 1960s in general!

I am always on the lookout for great coffee table books, do you have any favorites?

♥, Kailey

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On My Bookshelf: Gil Elvgren: The Complete Pin-Ups

Gil Elvgren and "pin-up" are two words inextricably linked - Elvgren is arguably the most famous pin-up artist. His girls decorate everything from fabric to calendars, and his inspiration can be felt in many of the modern day pin-up artists.

I absolutely adore GIL ELVGREN: THE COMPLETE PIN-UP - an absolutely gorgeous coffeetable book jam packed with stunning technicolor prints of Elvgren's girls. Published by TASCHEN (one of my favorite book companys), there is also an extensive biography (presented in three different languages!), in-depth descriptions, and was a steal at only $10!

Who is your favorite pin-up artist? If I had to choose, mine would be Alberto Vargas ^^

♥, Kailey

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