V & A Publishing

From the earliest mosaics in 4th century BCE Greece and the Byzantine splendour of Hagia Sophia to the celebratory frieze encircling the Royal Albert Hall, and Eduardo Paolozzi's commission for the London Underground, this book reveals the technical and stylistic evolution of mosaic, and its prominence in political, public and civic spaces. Drawing on a conference at the V&A, supported by the Gilbert Trust for the Arts, this volume provides both a sweeping history of the craft and fascinating insight into key events. These include the competition judged by Titian, Tintoretto, Schiavone and Veronese in 16th century Venice to choose a mosaicist for St Mark's Basilica and the prominence of mosaic in Fascist Italy, Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia. The volume also considers the practical - the collection and preservation of micromosaics and also their creation through an interview with Maurizio Fiorvanti, a jeweller who has mastered the technique of micromosaics and continues to create exquisite pieces from his studio in Rome.

‘I merely know Schiap by hearsay. I have only seen her in a mirror. She is, for me a kind of fifth dimension.’ – Elsa Schiaparelli Elsa Schiaparelli is one of the most celebrated fashion designers of the twentieth century. Recognized for her unique creative vision, which combined a love of art and mysticism with ingenious design talent and wit, her collaborations with Surrealist artists, affluent and famous clientele, and innovative – yet wearable – designs set ‘Schiap’ apart from her contemporaries.  With a cast of characters that includes Coco Chanel,  Salvador Dalí, Daisy Fellowes and Eva Perón, Shocking Life is a lively, idiosyncratic and fascinating account of the life and career of Elsa Schiaparelli  – in her own, inimitable voice. This deluxe edition, illustrated with a selection of some of her most iconic designs, takes us from her somewhat conventional childhood in Rome, where she was surrounded by academics and aristocrats, through the establishment of her couture house during the turbulence of the 1920s, on to her dominance of 1930s fashion, and the fate of her house during World War Two.

Few jewellers are as celebrated as Cartier, even fewer have as many instantly recognizable designs - some of which, such as the Tank watch, Love bracelet and Trinity ring, have become iconic. Glamorous, witty, beautiful and beloved of stars such as Grace Kelly, over 150 dazzling Cartier pieces are featured here. This book presents jewels from superlative collections, including the V&A and the Royal Collection, as well as Cartier's own private collection and it celebrates the history of the company The Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, called the 'Jeweller of Kings and the King of Jewellers'.

Christian Dior (1905-1957) rocketed to fame with his first collection in 1947 when the 'New Look' took the world by storm. This charming and modest autobiography gives a fascinating and detailed insight into the workings of a great fashion house, while revealing the private man behind the high-profile establishment. It is also a unique portrait of classic Paris haute couture of the 1950s and offers a rare glimpse behind the scenes. Dior details his childhood in Granville, the family and friends closest to him, his most difficult years and sudden success, as well as his sources of inspiration and creative processes.