Friday, March 11, 2011

Fresh Fashion Friday: The Fashion File by Janie Bryant

The Fashion File by Janie Bryant with Monica Cocoran Harel. Foreward by January Jones. Photo by Dustin Enrique Larsen

Television has always had a profound impact on the world of fashion. The television series Mad Men has become a pivotal influence on how the world decides to dress. The woman behind the wardrobe is Emmy Award-Winning costume designer Janie Bryant. In her book, The Fashion File, she invites us into that world as well as her own and shares the insight that has brought her enormous success.

Photo taken from AMC.com
The book promises to provide “advice, tips and inspiration.” This includes easy to incorporate practices such as obtaining proper measurements, dressing for all occasions, and creating a wardrobe that will stand the test of time; just to name a few. Bryant more than delivers on these promises.



The tips and advice that she features display a vast knowledge of both fashion and its history, which is relatable to fashion enthusiasts and non-fashion enthusiasts alike. Any individual from all walks of life who reads this book will easily be able to incorporate its pages into their own unique lifestyles. Her personal and professional stories are seamlessly weaved throughout the book as well.

Photo taken from AMC.com
Gorgeous original illustrations by Bryant and photographs of fashion necessities from her own personal collections fill each chapter, which help aid her as she provides the reader a deeper understanding of how one’s wardrobe influences character development on the show. She then provides tips on how this understanding can be related to real life.

Photo taken from AMC.com
Although the book’s focus is mainly on the female reader, there is a pleasant surprise for the men in the chapter titled “The Don Draper Makeover.” Male readers are gifted with the know-how as far as tying a tie, bow tie and ascot; finding a suit that looks both professional and fashionable as well as being the proper fit; and a list of the Top 10 items that MUST be in a man’s closet.

I have read many “how to” and advice books written by fashion industry professionals and I can say without a doubt that The Fashion File is at the top of my list for must haves. Owning it as part of your library is not only a significant investment, but a necessity.

About the Author: 

Photo taken from AMC.com

Emmy-winning costume designer Janie Bryant creates all of the looks seen on TV's Mad Men. She has worked on numerous films and TV shows. In 2005, she won an Emmy for her period costumes on HBO's Deadwood and she took home the prestigious Outstanding Costume Design award from the Costume Designers Guild in both 2009 and 2010. 
"To Dustin, a Don Draper in great style!"-Janie Bryant






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