SKU: 52794369850

"Charles James: Architect Of Fashion- From The Wardrobe Of Lisa Kirk & The Collections Of Homer Layne & FIT"

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"Charles James: Architect Of Fashion- From The Wardrobe Of Lisa Kirk & The Collections Of Homer Layne & FIT"11 1 2" x 8 1 2" (menu size) Cover artwork by 'Antonio' Lopez FIT Exhibition March 23 May 1, 1993 w 11" x 4 1 4" folding [4] pp. card laid In w the (55) CJ lots featured [2] pp. Scroll Down for (2) Additional Scans: Charles James (1906 1978) was a designers designer. Although greatly admired by other couturiers, such as Christian Dior and Jacques Fath, he was unknown to the public at large. Indeed, he was often on the verge of bankruptcy, despite

11 1/2" x 8 1/2" (menu size)
Cover artwork by 'Antonio' Lopez

FIT Exhibition March 23 - May 1, 1993

w/ 11" x 4 1/4" folding [4] pp. card laid-In w/ the (55) CJ lots featured 

[2] pp.

Scroll Down for (2) Additional Scans:

Charles James (1906-1978) was a designer’s designer. Although greatly admired by other couturiers, such as Christian Dior and Jacques Fath, he was unknown to the public at large. Indeed, he was often on the verge of bankruptcy, despite creating expensive clothes for some of the world’s most discriminating clients, such as Mrs. Randolph Hearst and Millicent Rogers. A brilliant designer, but a difficult and tormented personality, he made fewer than 1000 garments over the course of a 50-year career. There are many stories of his eccentricities: once, for example, two clients wanted the same dress, so—like King Solomon—he cut it in half. The extreme rarity and originality of his existing garments makes them among the most valuable objects in museum costume collections.

Born in England, James began his career as a milliner in Chicago, working under the name Charles Boucheron. Then he moved to New York, where he also began designing dresses. The influence of millinery can be seen in the way he juxtaposed rigid geometrical forms and fluid folds. Many couturiers of the 1950s incorporated boning and padding into their dresses, but James went much further, often creating an elaborate infrastructure, encasing the wearer’s torso. A virtuoso with fabric, he would then create a superstructure of artfully-draped silk and satin. James is best-known for the intricately-cut, often asymmetrical ball gowns that he designed in the 1940s and 1950s, which sold at the time for about $1500, and can easily fetch 100 times that figure today. A fashion journalist described one evening gown as “so intricately shaped, so marvelously massed into drapery that every angle presents a new silhouette.” The Museum at FIT owns several gowns that James designed for the performer, Lisa Kirk, as well as a beautiful example of his most famous dress, the Abstract or Four-Leaf Clover ball gown. His quilted, padded evening jackets are also justly famous. Although best known for his ability to “sculpt” with fabric, James was also a brilliant colorist, masterfully juxtaposing unexpected colors, such as golden yellow and ice blue.
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SKU: 52794369850

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Steve
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 5
Perfect Blend of Style and Functionality!
Size: 48in, Color: 3tier
Couldn't be happier with the results! The combination of black galvanized pipes and thick wooden shelves adds a rustic yet modern touch to my decor. These shelves are incredibly sturdy and can hold a good amount of weight, making them perfect for towels and decorative items. I love how versatile they are; I can see them working well in the kitchen or living room too. The assembly was straightforward. Overall, these shelves are a fantastic space-saving solution that enhances the aesthetic of any room!
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Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2025
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JZ
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 5
Provide mix of rustic and modern vibes
Size: 48in, Color: 3tier, Size: 48in, Color: 3tier
Absolutely love how these turned out! The black pipes and chunky wooden shelves give off a perfect mix of rustic and modern vibes. Super sturdy too—they hold a good amount of weight, so I’ve been using them for books and a few decor pieces. They’re really versatile—would look great in home office or living room as well. Assembly was easy, nothing too tricky. Overall, a great way to save space and add some style to the room!
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Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2025
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Lexie Crisp
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 5
Perfect!
Size: 48in, Color: 3tier
A little hard to line up but extremely beautiful and worth it!!
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Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2025
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Dawn Ellen Sampson
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 5
Great shelf !
Size: 48in, Color: 3tier
They look great ! Easy to install !
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Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2025
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Amanda Hernandez-Stoner
Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 4
Beautiful but…
Size: 48in, Color: 3tier
I have bought a half dozen of these shelves over the years and installed them in my own home and family members homes. They are beautiful once they are up. The quality of the pipe and wood are great, heavy duty. BUT Somehow I seem to forget that the installation is a complete nightmare-borderline not worth it. The pipe never likes to line up properly and when it does it’s just not tight leaving the whole thing feeling wobbly. Once installed it is very beautiful and sturdy. The other part I also seem to forget is that the anchors are complete and utter crap! Save yourself the frustration and TOSS THEM immediately. Its a huge waste of time attempting to use them and your so pissed off by the time you realize it that you almost don’t even want the shelf anymore😂 In summary- Beautiful, quality shelf but buy your own anchors and round up you patience prior to install.
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Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2025

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