Historical Dress: The Great Couturiers: Books on Couturiers

Drawing on noted design houses and fashion designers for choice illustrations, Milbank, former head of Sotheby's costume department, weaves together a handsome collection of 175 color and 225 duotone picturesartists' sketches, house photographs, period magazine illustrations, and documents to insightfully discuss contemporary fashions and their designers.

Elsa Schiaparelli was the premier style arbiter of the 1930s - a favorite designer of women who made the best-dressed list, of female sports heroes, and actresses. This book is the first comprehensive look at the work of this startling and innovative Paris fashion designer.

A remarkable couturier, with a career spanning half a century, Madame Alix Grès (1903-1993) was known for using delicate pleats which turned ordinary fabric into Grecian-style sculptures. This is the first monograph of her extraordinary work.

Traces the life of the Paris fashion designer, shows examples of his costumes, dresses, coats, hats, and shoes, and discusses his work with perfumes, textiles, and wallpapers.

This book comprises a portfolio of portraits of over one hundred incredible gowns from the entire era of Christian Dior haute couture, including dresses designed by Dior himself. All of the images were shot by Patrick Demarchelier.

Saint Laurent’s extraordinary taste went well beyond the world of fashion, and in this lavish volume, the eight splendid homes he shared with friend and lifelong business partner Pierre Bergé are presented in immaculate detail.

Gabrielle Bonheur "Coco" Chanel was the most influential fashion designer of the 20th century. Her clothes and accessories have remained perennially chic, and her legendary fashion house continues to exert a powerful sway over today's designers. Jérôme Gautier tells the story of Chanel's iconic style through hundreds of images.

Illustrated in over 400 photographs, sketches, and with complete patterns for 30 of the most influential designs of this architect among dressmakers, this exquisite volume is an essential reference for fashion students and a vibrant portrait of a grande dame of 20th century couture.

This book highlights key collections from 1909 through 1946, the year of Lanvin’s death. Original fashion illustrations, beading and embroidery swatches play a crucial role in demonstrating her intricate, creative, and innovative techniques.

Balenciaga offers a thorough examination of the Spanish-born couturier’s designs and business practice, and places him firmly in the context of the time, looking at the country in which he learned his trade and the international fashion scene in which he matured and triumphed.