In The Looks of Love, Hal Rubenstein showcases seminal moments and events in television and film, on the runway and red carpet, and in social media that have changed the way we look at love, fashion, passion, romance, marriage, beauty, and style. From Alexander McQueen’s stunning dance marathon collection inspired by the film They Shoot Horses Don’t They? to shoulder-pad-clad Krystle and Alexis Carrington’s jealous catfights; from all eight of Elizabeth Taylor’s wedding ensembles to Angelina Jolie’s singular Versace wedding gown with a veil embroidered with her children’s drawings, Rubenstein brings his impeccable eye, compelling voice, and impressive depth of knowledge to these iconic moments. Here, too are anecdotes and first-person commentary from more than a dozen world-class designers that offer fascinating insight into each “look.”
Spanning eras and media, combining more than 225 images and essays, The Looks of Love includes such innovative trendsetters as Humphrey Bogart’s trench coat in Casablanca; Marc Jacobs’s spectacularly romantic show for Louis Vuitton that featured models disembarking from a vintage steam train; Beyoncé’s “All the Single Ladies” video; Versace’s “Miami” collection; The romantic world of Ralph Lauren; the marriage of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor—Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson; The Summer of Love—Woodstock; Gene Kelly’s sportswear in Singing in the Rain; DKNY advertising; and much more.
Playful and profound, trendy and timeless, stylish and sophisticated, The Looks of Love illuminates our evolving culture and couture in fresh and startling way.
Hal Rubenstein is a writer, designer, and one of the founding editors at InStyle magazine, where he served as fashion director for fifteen years. In fall 2013, he launched his eponymous women’s collection on the Home Shopping Network and formed Hal Rubenstein & Associates, which has provided private consultation to brands such as Gabriel & Co. jewelers, the Raleigh Hotel, Giorgio Armani, and American Express. In 2015, he launched his website, Halrubenstein.com, which focuses on popular culture and provides advice on leading a better life; and with model-designer Iman Abdulmajid he introduced a new style show on Sirius Radio. The author of Paisley Goes with Nothing and the bestselling 100 Unforgettable Dresses (Harper Design, 2011), he is a special projects editor at Architectural Digest. He has also written cover stories and interviews, and served as a columnist on various pop-culture topics for The New Yorker, New York magazine, Interview, Elle, Vogue, Vanity Fair, and Details. He has been a frequent red-carpet commentator for such shows as The Today Show, Extra, and The View. He lives in New York City with his husband, David Nickle, and his dog, Murray.