Tibor Kalman (1949–1999)

Over the course of 13 controversial issues, influential designer Tibor Kalman (1949-1999) used his position as Editor in Chief of the international magazine Colors to challenge the status quo. Through a highly visual language, he creatively explored the world's problems--racism, AIDS--and preoccupations--sports, shopping--to propel social change. That Colors was sponsored by the Benetton clothing company made the media experiment all the more intriguing. Following the success of Tibor's show more un(Fashion), this visually powerful book features spreads from each issue and reproduces in full a facsimile of the word-free 13th and final Colors. Kalman's previously unpublished notes and sketches, plus commentary by his partner, Maira, complete the collection. show less

Really liked the concept and the execution. But the photos suffered from the crappy library binding edition that I had (which makes a difference in an essentially wordless volume). Caveat: THIS IS NOT FOR KIDS unless you pre-read and are personally comfortable with their seeing all of the images. ... there are pictures of embalmed people in their coffins (and some pretty graphic depictions of kids with guns and intense body modification).

Unlabeled, uncaptioned photographs from around the world that look at culture and dress. Stunning in its breadth.