'From Charles Frederick Worth to Nicolas Ghesqui墈re, designers have propelled fashion from an elite craft into a cornerstone of contemporary popular culture. This brilliantly written analysis
of the achievements of the 50 greatest names in international fashion explores their lives, both personal and professional, drawing on the latest academic research and on the best of fashion
journalism, including the authors' own interviews with designers spanning a 30-year period.The designers' working methods andcareer highlights are outlined in detailed and wittily written
entries that capture the spirit of their times. From Poiret and Patou to Gernreich and Galliano, the sometimes provocative selection of 50 names poses stimulating questions about the definition
of a fashion designer in the modern era. A ground-breaking book, this is a definitive introduction to fashion designers that is essential reading for both students and general readers
alike'--Provided by publisher.