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Martine Sitbon

Alternative Vision

The first book on the highly influential French fashion designer renowned for her rock’ n’ romantic style and for reinvigorating the house of Chloé. Martine Sitbon has become an icon among designers and fashionistas, earning her praise from Karl Lagerfeld as being "the only living French designer." Handpicked to breathe new life into Chloé in the mid-1980s, and the first woman to be named designer at the house, while simultaneously working on her own ready-to-wear label, Sitbon has been at the helm of high fashion for decades. Martine Sitbon, sumptuously designed by longtime collaborator Marc Ascoli, deftly illustrates the looks that have built Sitbon’s reputation—including her separates, draped and tucked organza minis, smart trenches, and sexy rocker-girl pieces—and shows how her style has made her not only a woman’s designer, but a designer’s designer, having spent years mentoring such respected tastemakers as Phoebe Philo and Isabel Marant. With never-before-seen sketches and photographs, this book allows readers to gain a better understanding of the designer’s personal universe and inspirations that have until now been largely hidden from view.
"Few designers today can claim the impact of Martine Sitbon. The French creative made history with her appointment as head designer at Chloé in the late ’80s—the first woman to hold the title. Over nine seasons, she forged a refreshing, romantic new identity for the house, crafting flirty bodysuits, dreamy separates, and show-stopping minis—all while running her namesake label. Sitbon also served as an influential mentor for successive talents Phoebe Philo and Isabel Marant. Martine Sitbon: Alternative Vision offers an intimate glimpse into the elusive designer’s world through sketches and photographs of her essential works. Prepare to be enchanted all over again." —V MAGAZINE
Martine Sitbon is a French fashion designer. She served as head designer for Chloé for nine seasons, and founded the eponymous label Martine Sitbon (later named Rue du Mail). Marc Ascoli is the art director responsible for the image branding of Jil Sander, Yohji Yamamoto, and Chloé, among others. Olivier Saillard is the director of the Palais Galliera, City of Paris Museum of Fashion. He is a renowned fashion historian and author. Fabrice Paineau is the publications director of Double Magazine. Jerry Stafford is a writer and creative director of Premiere Heure, an advertising and feature film production company based in Paris.

About

The first book on the highly influential French fashion designer renowned for her rock’ n’ romantic style and for reinvigorating the house of Chloé. Martine Sitbon has become an icon among designers and fashionistas, earning her praise from Karl Lagerfeld as being "the only living French designer." Handpicked to breathe new life into Chloé in the mid-1980s, and the first woman to be named designer at the house, while simultaneously working on her own ready-to-wear label, Sitbon has been at the helm of high fashion for decades. Martine Sitbon, sumptuously designed by longtime collaborator Marc Ascoli, deftly illustrates the looks that have built Sitbon’s reputation—including her separates, draped and tucked organza minis, smart trenches, and sexy rocker-girl pieces—and shows how her style has made her not only a woman’s designer, but a designer’s designer, having spent years mentoring such respected tastemakers as Phoebe Philo and Isabel Marant. With never-before-seen sketches and photographs, this book allows readers to gain a better understanding of the designer’s personal universe and inspirations that have until now been largely hidden from view.

Praise

"Few designers today can claim the impact of Martine Sitbon. The French creative made history with her appointment as head designer at Chloé in the late ’80s—the first woman to hold the title. Over nine seasons, she forged a refreshing, romantic new identity for the house, crafting flirty bodysuits, dreamy separates, and show-stopping minis—all while running her namesake label. Sitbon also served as an influential mentor for successive talents Phoebe Philo and Isabel Marant. Martine Sitbon: Alternative Vision offers an intimate glimpse into the elusive designer’s world through sketches and photographs of her essential works. Prepare to be enchanted all over again." —V MAGAZINE

Author

Martine Sitbon is a French fashion designer. She served as head designer for Chloé for nine seasons, and founded the eponymous label Martine Sitbon (later named Rue du Mail). Marc Ascoli is the art director responsible for the image branding of Jil Sander, Yohji Yamamoto, and Chloé, among others. Olivier Saillard is the director of the Palais Galliera, City of Paris Museum of Fashion. He is a renowned fashion historian and author. Fabrice Paineau is the publications director of Double Magazine. Jerry Stafford is a writer and creative director of Premiere Heure, an advertising and feature film production company based in Paris.