http://moca.org

Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles

While there are some who might consider browsing the MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) website an unsatisfying alternative to walking through any one of the beautifully orchestrated on-going exhibits, I ask them to re-consider that conclusion. Yes, at first glance, the home page of MOCA's website http://www.moca.org/ seems undifferentiated from other museum website home pages which provides links to fairly ubiquitous features such as:

• Exhibitions
• Collections
• Visitor Information, etc

However, there is one link which deserves virtual browsers’ attention. The Collections link opens the door to a wonderful database of images and other valuable information available through audio and podcast options (e.g., Art Talk lectures, audio tours, and discussions by some of the artists). The link also allows non-museum goers, access to:

• a selection of permanent collection items,
• the MOCA Research Library, and
• a Digital Gallery

MOCA's website is a wonderful, virtual alternative to visiting the museum in person. Avid museum goers short on time will find their need for art satisfied by browsing this graphically appealing and informative website.

Reviewed by Library Staff Member - Lucy Bellamy

Chanel Collections And Creations is a beautiful edition celebrating the glamour and tradition of the legendary French fashion house created by milliner, Gabrielle Bonheur “Coco” Chanel in the early 1910s. Chanel began her career creating hats and later became credited with popularizing such fashion staples as the little black dress, the tweed suit, the Deauville look, multiple strands or pearls, etc. The book is essentially divided into five main chapters each depicting another aspect of the Coco's style: The Suit, The Camellia, Jewelry, Fragrance & Beauty and The Black Dress. Each chapter goes in-depth into these hallmarks of Chanel's effortless style.

This wonderfully illustrated book contains 159 illustrations, 101 of which are in color. Many of the photos illustrate the same iconic Chanel “look” from the Gabrielle Chanel era alongside the Karl Lagerfeld era. Whether it be the tweed suit or the “little black dress” these photos illustrate the timeliness of the Chanel brand and the manner in which head designer Karl Lagerfeld has gone about staying true to these traditions all the while putting his on innovative spin on the house. Chanel Collections And Creations is a great retrospective and history of one of the most legendary labels in all of fashion.

Reviewed by Library Staff Member - Monika Earle