'Fred Astaire Style': Few men have influenced American style more profoundly than Fred Astaire. Replacing the stiff-suited, aristocratic uniform of the day with his looser, more democratic look of tweed sports jacket and easy cut flannels, Astaire became a new model for a whole generation, and continues to be considered an icon of style. A symbol of pre-war America democratisation, this charming dandy also replaced pomp and circumstance with nonchalance for practical reasons: being a dancer, Astaire's clothes had to be comfortable. They had to follow him. Fred Astaire Style analyses the dancer's legendary contribution to the twentieth century style. From such vivid accessories as the silk pocket to square to the white buck shoes and woven tie, this Memoire deciphers his seemingly improvisational style. 'The Polo Games': A veritable symbol of the art of living, polo has generated its own clans, codes, and destinations. Polo was first played in Persia, and then spread across the steppes of Central Asia to India. The British colonialists were quickly seduced by this "sport of kings and king of sports." They exported the game to the Western world, all the way to the Argentine Pampas. Today, polo teams travel a worldwide circuit, from Windsor to St. Moritz, Dubai or Buenos Aires, to compete in contests that recall jousting matches of warriors. Cartier, jeweller to kings, princes, and maharajahs, is of course an enthusiast of this sport and sponsors some of the most spectacular tournaments in the world, combining elements of passion, audacity, and the chic and cosmopolitan art of living. 'Cigar Style': To ignite a cigar -watching the glossy tobacco transmute into silvery ash and blue smoke while savouring its complex, lingering flavours- is to partake in a ritual that has been enjoyed for centuries by kings and courtesans, prime ministers and presidents, authors and artists. A cigar is a symbol of leisure, rite of passage, and celebratory gesture. All of these themes, as well as significant moments in cigar history, are explored with great affection and energy in this tasteful and entertaining volume. 'Rebel Style': Between the end of World War II and the election of John F. Kennedy there was a tremendous shift in Hollywood film: a fresh wave of actors (with Marlon Brando, Montgomery Clift, Paul Newman, and James Dean) whose talent and lives seemed to be inseparable in their work, came to the forefront of film-making. This Rebel style brought a completely new attitude and look to the screen; the leather jacket and provocative stare of a Brando, the prole clothes and the broodingly cool demeanour of a Clift became the aesthetic correlative of an American version of the existentialist view of life. G. Bruce Boyer analyses the sartorial and philosophical revolution brought about by the representatives of this first counterculture, and the evolution of the Rebel style. 'Cuff Links': Cuff links are one of the few pieces of jewellery that men wear other than a wedding ring and watch. Whether they are made of precious stones or shaped like an animal, these tiny pieces of jewellery can express a tremendous amount of style and creativity. Bertrand Pizzin has one of the most exquisite and varied collections of cuff links in the world. This book takes a tour of that collections, highlighting the famous dates in the evolution of jewellery, exploring the various styles used over the past two hundred years and examining the role they have played in fashion. Featuring the best pieces by Van Cleef and Arpels, Cartier, Tiffany and others, 'Cuff Links' is a little gem of a book and the perfect gift for Father's Day or any day for that matter. 6.0 x 8.5 in - 15.5 x 21.5 cm each volume 400 pages - 300 illustrations 5 jacketed hardcover volumes in a slipcase
