SF MOMA Bookstore

... is a place that I affectionately call, "The Land of Retinal Delights". Pure visual eye candy is what you will find at the SF Museum of Modern Art's Bookstore. Mon - Fri , I spend countless hours looking at images on the internet for work, but there is just something wonderful about a beautiful book that you can hold in your hand, and I still consider it a great pastime. I spent over 2 hrs there last Sunday and I could have been there longer ! An unbelievable selection of books to peruse not only on art, but on all types of design ... typography, fashion, landscaping, packaging, interiors .... IT'S HEAVEN I TELL YOU !!!

This is a view of about 1/3 of the store

Here's some of my favorite books du 'jour ...

inside Playful Type ...

I just had heard of this book last week through the Paris Hotel Boutique's blog
I was happy to find it ( great photos of a sad situation )


Whoever is the buyer for this store ... hats off to you !!!

Don't forget, there's still a bit of time to sneak into tomorrow's giveaway !
( until midnight tonite PST )

Rene Gruau

I have to say, one of the artists that has most inspired me is renowned french fashion illustrator, René Gruau. With nothing more than pens, brushes and paint, his work embodies the feminine universe - one made of luxury, frivolity and glamour - as if it was the most natural thing in the world.His drawings and watercolors captured chicness and grace 50s-60s era women sought in a way photography could not. Rene is most known for his influences and work for friend Christian Dior, where he really made his name, but has done countless pieces (over 80,000 total !) for other designers such as Arden, Balmain, Lanvin, and, his favorite, Balenciaga. Among many french based companies, he has illustrated for Rouge Baiser, Lido, Moulin Rouge, magazines such as Vogue and Harpers Bazaar, even the movie poster for Fellini's La Dolce Vita.

... doesn't she remind you of Amelie ?

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It amazes me how he could capture every nuance of luxury and refinement with such simplicity and perfect purity of line. No matter what the era of his creation, it seems all are just as relevant today.

Thank you Rene for the seventy years of amazingness !
To purchase prints of his work ( plus many other wonderful french prints ) go here

For a cool 1,250.00 you can buy the book here ( 650.00 used )