Style Book II: Pattern and Print: Pattern and Print

Long-time fashion editor and style maven Elizabeth Walker navigates fashion devotees through an inspired selection of images showcasing the recurring themes that define the essence of style. Following the success of Style Book: Fashionable Inspirations, this volume offers a fresh take on the iconic patterns and prints that are renewed and recycled year after year, from the runways to street wear. Fashion editor Elizabeth Walker draws on eclectic influences from around the world: embroidered kimonos from Japan, batiks from Indonesia, paisley from India and France, animal prints, bold op-art geometrics in black and white, bright kangas from Kenya, Hawaiian-print hibiscus, or bold splashes of color combining Schiaparelli pink with tangerine and turquoise. From Grace Jones in a zebra-print jumpsuit to a flapper’s scalloped swimsuit, or from Marc Jacobs in a Mickey Mouse T-shirt to Nicolas Cage in a snakeskin jacket, you can take your cue to liven up the gray workday commute in a jewel-toned ikat print or a jaunty African tribal fabric. The striped mariner’s pullover that looked great on Picasso is still in style, and houndstooth checkered trousers will turn heads and add bounce to your stride. The images selected here—featuring both celebrities and more proletariat fashionistas—spotlight the striking prints and patterns that add panache to any look.

Elizabeth Walker worked at Harpers & Queen as an art director and subsequently as both the men’s and women’s fashion editor. She has also written for Telegraph Magazine, the Times and The Sunday Times, FT Weekend, and was Executive Fashion and Beauty Editor for Marie Claire. Today she is a freelance fashion consultant and writer.