Thom Browne. Hardcover – Illustrated, 5 Oct. 2023

The book itself is beautiful and feels very well made but there is little text; no context, no information on the inspirations for the looks, no real information about Thom himself, nothing. Some of the looks are whimsical and sublime, but quite a few seem over-worked and over-wrought. I also didn't realise that Thom Browne used so much fur in his work; there are far too many looks featuring fur. A search for "fur" on the Thom Browne website this morning [06/11/2023] returned 463 result (!) I think this is as unconscionable today as it was when the label was founded twenty years ago. I own several Thom Browne items but cannot envisage myself purchasing anything further from this label whilst they continue to use fur. Furthermore, their prices, of late, have reached a level that is - for me at least - prohibitively expensive.

After 20 years of his eponymous brand's first opening of its doors, Thom Browne has sanctioned the authoritative tome that details his most important work. Browne known for his minimalist spaces and ready to wear (unlike his outrageous shows and runway looks), has translated this philosophy into this book.There is a lot of images - all pictures of his carefully selected work, on matte paper, hundreds of pages of looks that represent the brand's last twenty years, draped over the same 6 or so models. However, there are few words. Do not expect Mr. Browne to show you an insight on his thoughts on his pieces, themes of his collection or inspiration for his shows. What you get is the work; and just the work. _Res ipsa loquitur_.While the foreword written by curator of the volume, and of the Costume Centre at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, and Browne's long-term partner, Andrew Bolton, offers a short second hand interpretation of what makes Browne tick; and while insightful leaves you yearning to learn more, but direct from the horse's mouth. But that's it. And that ultimately disappoints for students of fashion, creativity, art and ideas, who are just as enamoured by process are they are completed work.However, fans of the brand would love this open and proud on their artfully picked coffee table, in their minimalist living room, matching its carefully picked surroundings, probably in the colour grey.The book a tribute to the brand's enduring legacy and a tipped cap to the iconic works that have contributed so importantly to the fashion world over two remarkable decades.