Elvis Style

October 15, 2016

For decades, Elvis Aron Presley (1935-77) dominated American music and popular culture. Biographies detailing his Southern upbringing through his drug-addled final years abound, as do critical studies of his music and film appearances. Yet Presley's legacy was not limited to the stage and screen. Fashion journalist Goto's first book fills this gap by examining the pop icon's influence on style and design. Though the title suggests this is a fashion text, only the first chapter, which encompasses about half the book's length and is divided into three sections, covers Presley's clothing from his years as a rising star to his final performances. Other chapters explore Presley's classic hairstyle, food preferences, cars, and houses. Goto's fashion background is evident through her inclusion of quotes and anecdotes from design specialists, including Hal Lansky, the son of Bernard Lansky, Presley's favorite tailor. With color images on every spread, this book can be read cover to cover or readers can pinpoint a section of interest. VERDICT While sure to be an Elvis fan favorite, this quick read will also appeal to pop culture enthusiasts and designers. However, readers wanting a biography or scholarly study should look elsewhere.--Shannon Marie Robinson, Drexel Univ. Libs., Philadelphia

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