Fashion writer Emma Baxter-Wright introduces 50 of the world''s most influential fashion designers and a selection of their most celebrated pieces, showcased with full-colour photography.

Starting with the foundation of the 19th century House of Worth, perhaps the first real fashion house, through the designs of the hugely influential Coco Chanel, Christian Dior and Yves St Laurent, to Japanese designers such as Rei Kawakubo and Issey Miyake whose designs ''deconstructed'' fashion in the 1980s and 1990s and the emerging stars of the present day, this stunning book is a fascinating history of how fashion has developed over the past 160 years. Two double-page spreads are dedicated to each designer, outlining their influences, the legacy of their ideas and revealing the beautiful designs that have made them famous.

Includes:
• Photos of famous designs through the years
• Concise professional biographies of the designers listed
• Draft designs and finished examples of key moments in fashion.
• Entries arranged in chronological order for easy reference

ABOUT THE SERIES: The 50 Greatest series brings together highly visual reference guides, each exploring 50 of the most influential figures across a certain discipline. These rich biographical profiles outline their key achievements, influences and impact on the industry, accompanied by stunning full-colour photography.