Review by Booklist Review
Having studied fashion design in Paris, Japanese designer Hiraiwa turns her attention to wearable, ultimately customizable women's clothing. Hers is a look reminiscent of Issey Miyake and Yohji Yamamoto almost severe in line, celebrating architectural nonsymmetry, and using rich yet down-to-earth textiles. The 19 products depicted here are showcased upfront in color, with page references to instructions later in the book and occasional notes about how to wear a certain item (e.g., a two-way stole). Assuming that her readers have more than a passing acquaintance with sewing machines, Hiraiwa offers materials lists, cutting notes, and sewing tips. Construction steps are accompanied by detailed instructions (full-size patterns are attached to the back cover). Sewing difficulty is not indicated. First-timers or novices should choose the reversible faux collar or spiral scarves before turning to, say, the sleeveless scarf blouse.--Jacobs, Barbara Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Another Japanese import from Interweave, this small volume is as carefully styled and designed as readers have come to expect from the publishing company. The book is really a capsule collection from designer Hiraiwa, complete with a pattern packet in the back pocket so they can sew the drape-y Eileen Fisher-esque styles included. From draw-string low-waist pants to a Two-Way Stole so complex that photos show how to put it on, there are 20 designs, made up in mostly solid linens. For those who love this aesthetic, a combination of the minimal and artsy, the book is a must-buy, but a few caveats: while there are numerous diagrams to show how to sew up the projects, they are tiny and packed with numbers (both metric and American measurements). Also, the designs are clearly sized for the typical Japanese woman, smaller than Americans (bust sizes range from 32 inches to 36 inches), and no basic sewing instructions are included. This isn't for new sewists, but it's a lovely, cohesive set of patterns. Color photos. (Feb.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
