Couture Conversations: Twentieth-Century Fashion Icons in Their Own Words

Vionnet, Chanel, Dior, Saint Laurent, McQueen- these names define haute couture, and long after the designers have passed away, their influence on fashion continues to be profound. In an exceptional compilation of the original words of these couturiers, Couture Conversations provides a unique and in-depth look at the lives and work of these fashion icons. In this engaging, beautifully designed book, Pamela Golbin, acclaimed chief curator of twentieth-century fashion and textiles at Paris's Musee des Arts Decoratifs, has ingeniously constructed conversations in the designers' own words that highlight their compelling personal stories as well as essential fashion moments-from designers Paul Poiret, Cristobal Balenciaga, Madame Gres, Alexander McQueen, Madeleine Vionnet, and Gabrielle Chanel to Elsa Schiaparelli, Yves Saint Laurent, Jeanne Lanvin, Pierre Balmain, and Christian Dior. Featuring striking illustrations by internationally recognized illustrator Yann Legendre, each interview asks the questions every fashion lover has always wanted to ask, making these legends approachable, human, and ever more inspiring.