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Architecture & Design

Are you looking to be inspired by some of the finest designers and architects? You find a wide selection of fascinating architecture and design books at Tales. The design books can inspire you to renew your style or house, but you can also use them in your creative process both as a student or professional. If you are more into buildings and the process behind them, take a look at our architecture books that will take you around the world to the most wonderful and groundbreaking buildings on Earth. All of them will look good on your coffee table.
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  • Save 29%
    by Gareth Kershaw
    £31.99

    Pattern Cutting for Menswear is a comprehensive guide to cutting patterns, from basic skills to advanced techniques. With over twenty complete patterns, including new jacket and trouser styles, this revised edition features additional sections on the leg stride relationship in the development of certain trouser styles, fabric properties and their effect on cut and drape, fitting techniques for structured jackets, and the latest information on pattern CAD-based technologies. The step-by-step approach, complete with scaled diagrams and technical flats, fashion illustrations and photographs of toiles, enables you to cut patterns with confidence.

  • Save 12%
    by Dr Alison (University of New South Wales Gwilt
    £21.99

    Overview of the current models of fashion design and production, introducing the key issues with the production, use and disposal of fashion clothing, and offering guidance on evaluating the impacts of every stage of the process.

  • Save 20%
    by American Society of Botanical Artists
    £25.49

    The ultimate how-to guide to the essential botanical art techniques from the people who know it best, the American Society of Botanical Artists.

  • Save 20%
    by Alexandra Palmer
    £23.99

    In 1947 Christian Dior rocked the fashion world with his "New Look" which dominated post war fashion and firmly secured the name of his house in the minds of the public and the fashion industry. This book examines the seminal years of Christian Dior, 1947-1957, from an international perspective.

  • Save 24%
    by Yayoi Kusama, Laura Hoptman & Udo Kultermann
    £37.99

    A comprehensive overview of the visionary work of the Japanese artist.

  • Save 25%
    - Sew Your Own Capsule Wardrobe
    by Laura Huhta
    £19.49

    Stylish Scandinavian dressmaking projects for contemporary makers

  • - Technology and the End of the Future
    by James Bridle
    £9.49

    ';New Dark Ageis among the most unsettling and illuminating books I've read about the Internet, which is to say that it is among the most unsettling and illuminating books I've read about contemporary life.'New YorkerAs the world around us increases in technological complexity, our understanding of it diminishes. Underlying this trend is a single idea: the belief that our existence is understandable through computation, and more data is enough to help us build a better world. In reality, we are lost in a sea of information, increasingly divided by fundamentalism, simplistic narratives, conspiracy theories, and post-factual politics. Meanwhile, those in power use our lack of understanding to further their own interests. Despite the apparent accessibility of information, we're living in a new Dark Age. From rogue financial systems to shopping algorithms, from artificial intelligence to state secrecy, we no longer understand how our world is governed or presented to us. The media is filled with unverifiable speculation, much of it generated by anonymous software, while companies dominate their employees through surveillance and the threat of automation. In his brilliant new work, leading artist and writer James Bridle surveys the history of art, technology, and information systems, and reveals the dark clouds that gather over our dreams of the digital sublime.

  • Save 23%
    - A Foundation Course for Graphic Designers Working in Print, Moving Image and Digital Media
    by David Dabner, Sandra Stewart, Eric Zempol & et al.
    £15.49

    The sixth edition of the market-leading, practical book for both students and small businesses.

  • Save 20%
    by Alexa Chung
    £11.99

    Alexa Chung's IT: the Top Ten Bestseller from the international fashion muse and Vogue contributing editorNow a Penguin paperback, this one-off collection of Alexa Chung's writing, doodles and photographs combines stories of early style inspirations such as her grandpa and the Spice Girls with discussion of figures of obsession like Jane Birkin and Annie Hall, reflecting on heartbreak, how to get dressed in the morning, the challenges of taking a good selfie, and more. Interspersed with pages from Alexa's notebooks and many a photo of a good night out, It is now perfectly sized for any bag - handbag or otherwise. Witty, charming and with a refreshingly down-to-earth attitude, It is a must-have for anyone who loves fashion, worries about growing up, or loves just about everything Alexa Chung. 'If you love Alexa Chung, buy it. If you are interested in fashion and style, buy it. If you're after a book full of pretty pictures and inspo, buy it' - Cosmopolitan Alexa Chung is a model and contributing editor to British Vogue. The recipient of numerous style awards, Alexa has won the prestigious British Style Award (voted for by the public) three years in a row. She currently lives in New York City.

  • Save 15%
    by Vincent Van Gogh
    £10.99

    A new selection of Vincent Van Gough's letters, based on an entirely new translation, revealing his religious struggles, his fascination with the French Revolution, his search for love and his involvement in humanitarian causes.

  • - Step-by-Step From Lines to Perspective
    by David Drazil
    £22.49

    Master the basics of architectural sketching with this proven & easy-to-follow 6-step framework guiding you from the first lines to full perspective sketches. The book includes 40+ specific tips, 15 worksheets, and countless examples.

  • Save 10%
    - The ultimate practical reference to watercolor mixes and dilutions
    by Julie (Author) Collins
    £8.99

    A practical and inspirational manual that shows you a huge range of color mixes in watercolor. Use the book as a handy reference when you want to know how to mix a specific color, or as a catalog of inspiration when seeking ideas to try in your work. The handy color viewing card included can be used to view each color swatch in isolation.

  • - In Simple Steps
    by Yishan Li
    £5.99

    Draw 28 amazingly cute kawaii-style characters in just 8 easy stages.

  • Save 18%
    - The Wit and Wisdom of Coco Chanel
    by Patrick Mauries & Jean-Christophe Napias
    £11.49

    An elegant collection of legendary designer Coco Chanel's maxims on style, women and life, presented in a fashionable gift format.

  • Save 21%
    - Create Frame-Worthy Art in Just a Few Simple Steps
    by Anna Koliadych
    £14.99

    15-Minute Watercolor Masterpieces is an enchanting book by the talented Anna Koliadych. Published by Page Street Publishing Co. in 2020, this book has quickly gained recognition in the art community. It belongs to the genre of instructional art books, but it stands out with its unique approach. The book guides you through creating stunning watercolor artworks in just 15 minutes. It's perfect for both beginners who want to learn watercolor painting and experienced artists looking for new techniques or quick practice exercises. Koliadych's easy-to-follow instructions and beautiful illustrations make this book a must-have for anyone interested in watercolor painting. Page Street Publishing Co. has indeed brought a gem to the market with this publication.

  • Save 11%
    - Embroidery and the Making of the Feminine
    by Rozsika Parker
    £16.99

    Uses household accounts, women's magazines, letters, novels and the works of art themselves to trace through history how the separation of the craft of embroidery from the fine arts came to be a major force in the marginalisation of women's work. This book also discusses the contradictory nature of women's experience of embroidery.

  • Save 25%
    - The beginner's guide to flower painting for journal pages, handmade stationery and more
    by Marie (Author) Boudon
    £11.99

    DIY Watercolor Flowers is a captivating book by Marie Boudon, published in 2019 by David & Charles. This book falls under the genre of Art and Craft, specifically focusing on watercolor painting. The book guides the reader through the beautiful world of watercolor flowers, teaching them how to create their own masterpieces. The author, Marie Boudon, beautifully explains the techniques and nuances of watercolor painting, making it simple and accessible for everyone, regardless of their painting experience. The publication year, 2019, marks the year when this treasure trove of artistic knowledge was shared with the world. The publisher, David & Charles, is known for their high-quality art books, and this one is no exception. DIY Watercolor Flowers is a must-have for every art enthusiast's library.

  • Save 20%
    by Phaidon Editors
    £19.99

  • Save 18%
    - 50 Years of Signs, Symbols, Banners, Logos, and Graphic Art of LGBTQ
    by Andy Campbell
    £20.49

    Published in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Stonewall and the Gay Pride Parade, this is the first-ever illustrated history of the iconic art, symbols, and design that represent more than 5 decades of LGBTQ pride and activism-from the evolution of Gilbert Baker's rainbow flag to the NYC Pride typeface launched in 2017.

  • Save 27%
    by Rebeka Elizegi
    £21.99

  • Save 31%
    - Designer of Dreams
    by Oliver Gabet
    £44.99

    A magnificent showcase of one of France's greatest couture houses.

  • Save 21%
    by Oliver Sin
    £14.99

    Drawing the Head for Artists is the definitive modern guide to drawing the human head and portrait, featuring the classic mediums and methods of the Old Masters. Written by celebrated portrait artist and veteran studio instructor Oliver Sin, this richly informative and beautifully illustrated volume leads readers step-by-step through his method, from establishing a point of view to applying the timeless principles for creating an accurate and expressive likeness. Among the topics covered: Essential Materials & Techniques:Learn about necessary supplies and basic drawing techniques, including hatching, various stroke styles, and blending.Applying the Essentials:Explore how the concepts of sight-sizing, value, negative space/shapes, and plane changes factor into a portrait's underlying structure.Techniques for Creating Depth & Dimension:Investigate how contrasting shapes, overlapping forms, and linear and atmospheric perspective are used to enhance depth.Creating the Illusion of Three Dimensions:Examine how edgescontours as well as changes in valueare used to convey three-dimensional form. Brimming with striking images that document all the phases and details of the author's process, Drawing the Head for Artistsinspires and informs all artists, from aspiring to accomplished, on how to successfully portray the physical subtleties and emotional eloquence of the human face. The For Artists series expertly guides and instructs artists at all skill levels who want to develop their classical drawing and painting skills and create realistic and representational art.

  • Save 29%
    by Unknown
    £35.49

    Produced in collaboration with The Andy Warhol Foundation and Jean-Michel Basquiat's estate, this book explores the artists' complex personal and professional relationship through hundreds of never-before-published photographs of Basquiat by Warhol, excerpts from the legendary Andy Warhol Diaries, rarely seen archival material and examples of...

  • by Emmanuel Cooper
    £23.49

    This guide provides a short introduction to glazes with basic instructions on making your own, followed by a comprehensive collection of glaze recipes, covering a wide range of temperatures and variations. The book should be of use to any potter or ceramicist.

  • Save 25%
    by Philip Jodidio
    £14.99

    Sprouting with fresh ideas and sunny outlooks, this compact edition brings together the best examples of contemporary green buildings today. Well-known architects like Frank Gehry and Norman Foster sit alongside young, up-and-coming creators. Each entry introduces a key project through plans, photos, and a close reading of the sustainable and...

  • Save 21%
    by Professor Katherine Willis
    £13.49

    This large-format poster book lets you decorate your walls with images from Katie Scott's Botanicum. Featuring plantlife of all kinds, from right around the world, it's a stunning celebration of all things botanical.

  • Save 24%
    by Christopher Herwig
    £18.99

  • Save 27%
    - The Complete Hipgnosis Catalogue
    by Aubrey Powell
    £21.99

    The complete catalogue of seminal design collective Hipgnosis, showcasing ground-breaking cover art created for the all-time greatest rock & roll bands, including the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd.

  • Save 27%
     
    £21.99

    Clear thematic structure offering an extensive overview on the subject.

  • Save 10%
    by Winifred (The Nottingham Trent University) Aldrich
    £31.49

    Metric Pattern Cutting for Women's Wear is a groundbreaking book by the esteemed author Winifred Aldrich, who is renowned for her work at The Nottingham Trent University. First published in 2015 by John Wiley & Sons Inc, this book has become an indispensable guide in the genre of Fashion and Design. Aldrich's expertise shines through each page, providing detailed instructions and insights into women's wear pattern cutting. Readers will find the author's innovative approach to the metric pattern cutting for women's wear truly enlightening. This book is not just an ordinary guide; it's a comprehensive tool for anyone who wants to delve into the world of fashion design. Published by John Wiley & Sons Inc, it's a testament to their reputation for releasing quality educational resources. This book is written in English.

Architecture

Our selection of cultural books also include architecture books. If you are fascinated by beautiful or memorable buildings we have the books for you. 

Architecture is the art form everyone is in contact with everyday. We move across a wide variety of buildings everytime we go out the door. Schools, work spaces, museums and even your own home is a form of architecture. Some buildings however have that extra effect on you. They make you shop and wonder, and most importantly they are products of their time. They are part of our history and tell the story of the time they were made. Some architects also go beyond that creating something never seen before and these are the buildings that we remember and they might even become attractions or landmarks like the beloved Eiffeltower in the city of lights.   

You could also get inspired as an architect or architectural student yourself. The architecture books invite you into the process of making a building out of the ordinary. If you are interested in sustainability you could also find architecture books about that. In the last couple of years we have also seen an increase in sustainable architecture, where materials are reused or alternative and good for our planet. They are the buildings of the future. 

We also have a collection of garden architecture books. In recent years open air spaces have been desired especially in the big cities, where fewer and fewer have access to a garden or park. Therefore we need innovative ways of finding new green areas in the cities also in order to be sustainable. For that matter we need to plant more trees and have nature surrounding us both for our planet, but also for the wellbeing of ourselves. Find ideas for new kinds of creating just that in our selection of architecture books. 



Fashion and design

Everyone wants to be stylish, and in our selection of design and fashion books you can get inspired by some of the best style icons and designers in the world. You can get that extra tip that will help you become the most stylish person in the room or one of the new style icons of Instagram.  Whether it’s about interior or clothes you will find it all among our fashion books and design books.

Fashion is a way of showing who you are. The way you dress reflects your personality and it is a way of showing how you feel or wants to feel that day, although it can be difficult to mix your outfit in the right way, and that is where the fashion books can help. Another wonderful thing about the fashion and design books is that they look stylish in themselves, and they will look gorgeous as a coffee table book. They add that extra level of style to your furnishing, and you display all your knowledge about fashion. So that is why you find the most beautiful and cool fashion books for decor at Tales. 

In our selection you find the popular fashion book In Paris by the French Instagram it-girl Jeanne Damas and Lauren Bastide. In the book they try to cover the secrets of the parisienne; who she is, what she wears and where she is heading. The fashion book contains interviews with 20 of the most inspiring French women from the city of light, and concludes that being a parisienne is not just about how you look and dress, but a way of life. 

If you yourself dream of having a designer carriere, you could also find fashion books for designing in Tales’ selection of culture books. Get the perfect guide to sewing, draping, and picking patterns for your next stylish creation. 

If you need inspiration to renew your furnishing you could - in addition to selecting a stylish book among our fashion books for coffee tables - also find design books about that. They help you pick the most tasteful furniture on the market and most importantly how to style them, and you could end up with the most wonderful interior in your own house. 


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