The Costume Site

The Costume Site is described as "online costuming sources for historical, science fiction and fantasy costumers." This statement does not begin to prepare you for the bulk of its information and quality of its content.

In the Costume Images section, you can click on "Civilian and Military Living History, 1660 - 1715" for a listing of different regiments. Among those is the history and origins of KirkeÃs Lambs, a regiment formed in 1661. Other categories for this regiment are colors and uniforms. These are recreated in complete detail, including drawings representing changes and additions from 1661- 1715.

Other sections of the site include: Costume Design, Art, Exhibits, Museums and Images.

Some categories from the Images section include:

• Battlestar Galactica Costumes And Props – original items used in the film from 1978-1979.
• 17th Century Women’s Fashion Plates – drawn images depicting anything from a French commoner from 1625 to a negligee from 1693.
• Daguerreian Society – dedicated to the history, science and art of the Daguerrotype, a precursor to modern-day photography.

In the Museum section, among the many offerings is The Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto, which houses a collection of over 10,000 shoes. Some of their collections can be seen on this site, in the following categories:

• North American Indian
• Ethnological (Latin America, Africa, Middle East, etc.)
• Walk of Fame (Famous People’s Footwear)

The Costume Site is a treasure trove of surprises. It is rich with images, information, resources and little known facts. All of the information is structured in a well-designed, fun-filled and easy to access format. Travel back in time and enjoy!

Reviewed by R & RC Staff Member – Cynthia Aaron

The Best In Retail Advertising, Marketing and Promotion…

Have you been looking for a magazine that can help you spot trends and gives you up-to-the-minute information regarding retail advertising? If the answer is yes, than Retail Ad World is the magazine for you. With over 65 years worth of experience, Retail Ad World shows you the best of what retailers are doing to attract and promote their brands and corporate image. With twelve issues a year you can always be sure the information is always current and up-to-date.

This magazine delivers detailed information with such sections as:

• Marketing highlights: Featured stories about advertising and marketing campaigns.
• Media Focus: Noteworthy ads are given an overview and explained.
• Ad Clinic: Advice and suggestions from industry professionals.
• In Store: The latest in in-store handouts.
• Catalogs: Examples from the best and the brightest.

The current issues focuses on such notable brands as: Donna Karan, Land’s End, Escada, Henri Bendel and more. The editors present real-world examples from some of the most successful companies doing business today. So if you are looking for the latest in advertising in any media format whether it be digital, print, or televised; Retail Ad World is for you.

Reviewed by R & RC Staff Member – Peter Davis

Starting a new company? Do you work with clients as a freelance graphic designer? Wondering whether your company logo is up to par? What is brand identity, anyway, and why is it so important? Alina Wheeler’s Designing Brand Identity is a complete how-to manual for anyone who cares about the perception of their company and whether or not they are memorable to consumers.

Wheeler, a brand identity guru to Fortune 100 companies, writes that a good brand identity and logo will, among other things:

• Be immediately recognizable
• Communicate the company’s persona
• Have enduring value
• Work both in black and white and in color
• Work well across media and scale

The book also provides lots of pictures, many in color, of famous logos, including those of Nike, Mercedes-Benz, Cingular Wireless, CBS, and even Bidendum, aka the Michelin Man. The reasons for their success are fascinating. For example, "Apple’s logo, designed in 1977, is an apple with a bite out of it – a friendly symbol of both knowledge and anarchy, contrasted against IBM and the PC world." This book will undoubtedly become a classic in both the business and design industries. Check it out now and stay ahead of pack!

Reviewed by R & RC Staff Member – Kirstie Harless Á S.F.