Couture in the 21st Century In the Words of 30 of the World's Most Cutting-Edge Designers

This lavishly illustrated book features essays from thirty of the world's top designers who talk about fashion in the first decade of the 21st Century with its emphasis on craftsmanship and traditional techniques and pay loving homage to the iconic couturiers of the past, expressing how their creativity and attention to detail has forever shaped fashion's future.The book features the first-ever personal essays on couture by today's most lauded contemporary designers such as Giorgio Armani and Oscar de la Renta plus the fresh faces who design for the top design houses: Pier Paolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri for Valentino, Stefano Pilati for Yves Saint Laurent and Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy. Each designer describes their view of couture and the inspirations drawn from iconic figures such as Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Elsa Schiaparelli, Coco Chanel, Madeleine Vionnet, Madame Grès and Paul Poiret. Essays are complemented by photographs and fashion illustrations plus an intimate portrait of the designer by photographer Rankin, world renown for capturing the wit and personality of his subjects. Couture in the 21st Century captures the allure of couture in the hands of the world's best-known designers. It is a must-have for anyone interested in fashion and culture.

Editor Deborah Bee has worked previously as a newspaper journalist for major national newspapers such as The Guardian, The Times (of London) and The Telegraph. She was also a magazine editor for Scene and Nova and is currently Editor-in-Chief of Harrods Publishing. Rankin is one of the world’s leading photographers. He has photographed hundreds of famous people and celebrities including Kylie, HRH, The Queen, Kate Moss, Madonna and the Rolling Stones and made headlines with his ground-breaking "Dove Campaign for Beauty".

"Brilliant insight into what gets the creative juices of some of the world's top designer's flowing. With portraits shot by Rankin, it's a feast for fashion fans."—The Times (of London) Magazine "Products and Places That Will Make Your Week: Celebrated photographer Rankin has teamed up with Harrods to create the must-have coffee table book for fashion lovers."—The Daily Mail "High and Mighty....A glossy tome that delves into the archives of Christian Dior, Coco Chanel and Madeleine Vionnet."—The Telegraph Magazine "Insight into trends in today's fashion design that focuses on the elite craftsmanship of yesteryear....Inspiring."—Vogue (UK) "Lavish pictorial guide to where fashion's been and where it's going."—The Mail on Sunday (UK) "The new book is like the style Bible, offering a revealing series of interviews with some of the top designers in the world."—International Business Times  "A celebration of the craftsmanship of couture. A historical reference book mixed with designer interviews, it's a fascinating insight into how the couture greats of the past have influenced today's designers."—Elle Decoration "Will be a must have for every style enthusiast."—FashionFoieGras.com "Full of fashion's inspirations over the years with new techniques, interviews...as well as quotes from designers on how fashion's past shapes its future."—UK.Glam.com "A must for all fashion lovers."—Avenues