An accessible introduction to the 50 most important designers who have moved fashion forward over the past century. Fifty major fashion designers are profiled in this book with fullcolour spreads that showcase their most memorable creations. Red carpet regulars such as Armani, Prada, Calvin Klein, and Dolce & Gabbana are included, as well as the classic clothiers Christian Dior, Karl Lagerfield, and Oscar de la Renta. While some of these designers have designed for the masses - Ralph Lauren and Diane von Furstenberg - others prefer the avant-garde over function; Vivienne Westwood, for instance. Readers will learn how the early 20th-century designers such as Coco Chanel and Andre Courreges made fashion history, and discover who's making it now: Stella McCartney, Marc Jacobs, and Tom Ford, to name a few. A celebration of diversity and innovation and an essential handbook to a century of fashion, this exciting and informative look into the world of style will delight readers of every taste and age. AUTHOR: Simone Werle is a fashion writer and designer based in Munich. She is the author of Fashionista, Fashionisto, Style Diaries, and Urban Knits (all by Prestel). 163 illustrations