The Short Story of Fashion

The Short Story of Fashion is a compelling look at all aspects of an industry that is also an art form, one driven by the singular vision of the designer. The book showcases the pivotal points in the history of fashion, charting dramatic changes in form and structure, the shift from voluminous to sparse, sweeping hems to miniskirts, artisan to mass production and the move from function to fantasy. It explores the emergence of shape-changing innovative designers that have altered the fashion trajectory, including Christian Dior, Coco Chanel, Gianni Versace, Elsa Schiaparelli, Yves Saint Laurent, Vivienne Westwood and many others.

The book is divided into four sections starting with the fashion eras, covering eighteenth-century French Court dress up to Contemporary African Fashion. This is followed by the key works that have rocked the fashion world, including the iconic Chanel little black dress among more eclectic works like the Norma Kamali sleeping bag coat. The third section focuses on accessories, ranging across shoes and handbags, and the final part of the book investigates the innovations that have helped drive developments in technique and style. Fully illustrated throughout with fascinating images that bring the key moments in fashion to life.