Catherine Walker : An Autobiography by the Private Couteur Diana Princess of Wales

Rating:
Summary: FANTASTIC!
Review: Catherine Walker, who more than anyone else was responsible for dressing Diana, Princess of Wales, breaks a sixteen-year silence to tell us how the princess' unique look evolved. In a calm, thoughtful voice, Walker describes how she and Diana learned to adapt to their new roles -- Walker as couturier, Diana as world-renowned princess -- simultaneously. Walker also discusses many details of dressmaking and tailoring that design enthusiasts will appreciate. Profusely illustrated with Walker's work for Diana as well as further examples of her designs.

Rating:
Summary: FANTASTIC!
Review: I happened upon this book one afternoon on my lunch hour. How I missed it's release I will never know. I went back that night and read it cover to cover and then bought it. It is perhaps the definitive book about the inside details about Diana's life, but also about Catherine Walker's as well. The book was clearly not meant to be another glossy "Diana" book rehashing all of the same old information. It was a guide to life with pictures and sketches. I laughed, I cried, I still read it about once a week. It is inspirational. If you are looking to read a book about Diana that has nothing new to say, do not read this book. If, however, you are a serious follower of the world of coture (and Catherine Walker) this book is a must. You will finish it and feel as if you were there during the fittings. BRAVO!

Rating:
Summary: expensive, interesting, not all Diana
Review: Some interesting material presented here, would've been nice had Diana lived to write a forward for it. Anyone buying this book with the idea of getting a lot of Diana material will see some of that. You will also be getting, as the title says, a lot of autobiographical material about Ms. Walker. No scandalous stories,many good photos, not all of them of the Princess. I personally think someone wanted to boost the sales by emphasizing the Diana link.

Rating:
Summary: Exquisite eyes/heart glimpse into a marvelous woman!
Review: This is an amazing illustration and revelation of one of our world's most talented designers who also happened to be one of Princess Diana's most astounding friends and helpers in that wondrous world called royalty. I found the tale of Catherine Walker so informative yet I was still left with numerous questions as to some of the details surrounding her life before and after she became famous. The photographs are gorgeous and reveal some interesting examples of a lady who truly fits the description designer. Catherine Walker will always be one of the world's most gifted dress makers but I'm still curious as to how one would go about actually seeing her shop or, imagine this, buying one of her creations. Undoubtedly she deals with only the rich & famous while all the time remaining in the background. This is one among many of my Princess Diana books I cherish because of its detail and marvelous focus on a multitude of gowns and their intricate pieces. Catherine Walker is an amazing woman who has truly lived a life from tragedy to fairy tale status. I am an avid admirer. This book is far more than pages/pictures between covers; it's a gift of for the eyes and heart! Wonderful!