The Short Story of Fashion

The Short Story of Fashion is a compelling look at all aspects of an industry that is also an art form, one driven by the singular vision of the designer. The book showcases the pivotal points in the history of fashion, charting dramatic changes in form and structure, the shift from voluminous to sparse, sweeping hems to miniskirts, artisan to mass production and the move from function to fantasy. It explores the emergence of shape-changing innovative designers that have altered the fashion trajectory, including Christian Dior, Coco Chanel, Gianni Versace, Elsa Schiaparelli, Yves Saint Laurent, Vivienne Westwood and many others.

Organized into four sections, the book examines the key eras of fashion, from the restrictive dress of the eighteenth-century French court to modern fitness-inspired fashion. Author Marnie Fogg highlights the iconic garments and trends that continue to influence style today, including well-known creations, like the Chanel little black dress and the Burberry trench coat, as well as more eclectic works like the Norma Kamali sleeping bag coat. A section on accessories explores the relationship between shoes, handbags and broader fashion trends, showing how some designs, like the Hermès Birkin bag, became enduring classics. Finally, Fogg looks at the technical and scientific innovations behind fashion, revealing how creativity and technology have long worked together. Illustrated throughout and written in a concise and accessible style, the book provides a clear introduction to the history, development and cultural significance of fashion.