Fashion Designers A-Z

This introductory guide to the world of fashion takes the major labels, the most important names in fashion, as its starting point. Entries begin with the founders of the often eponymous labels, and their date of birth. Major designers who have shown and achieved recognition with their own labels are to be found under their own names, even if they currently design for a long-standing house. Entries cover a wide range, and have been chosen for their importance. Biba, for example, was a shop rather than a haute-couture house, but the label was seminal in shaping the style of the 1960s. Biographical details of founders and designers are given (this is an industry driven by personalities and tastes more than any other), and business developments and transactions are included to provide a broad picture of the fashion world and the financial powers driving it. Over 50 designers selected, from Giorgio Armani to Vivienne Westwood.