Fashion Designers A-Z

From celebrated designers like Azzedine Alaïa, Cristóbal Balenciaga, and Coco Chanel to influential figures such as Alexander McQueen, Yves Saint Laurent, and Vivienne Westwood, over a hundred years of fashion history are honored in the new edition of Fashion Designers A–Z. This updated and affordable book showcases photographs of numerous garments from the permanent collection of the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) museum. These pieces range from elegant gowns of bygone eras to chic, minimalist designs inspired by Mondrian, capturing everything in between. The selections are made not only for their visual appeal but also for representing the distinctive philosophy, skill, and aesthetics of each designer highlighted. Valerie Steele, the museum’s director and chief curator, provides an introductory essay discussing the evolution of fashion museums and the emergence of fashion exhibitions as both popular and contentious events. The foreword by international style critic Suzy Menkes, along with detailed texts by the museum’s curators, offers historical insights into the brands and garments presented. Artist Robert Nippoldt’s exquisite portraits add a personal touch, paying tribute to the creative minds behind these iconic designs.