THE FASHION BOOK

The first man to think of covering himself invented clothing; the first man to change his clothes invented fashion. Then came the man who decided to put his name to his creation: he invented haute couture. The great couturier was born: Worth, the first, in the 19th century, then Doucet, Poiret, Mme Grès, Chanel, Saint Laurent, Rykiel, Lacroix, Gaultier... Around them, and to give substance to their dazzling ideas, the secret world of couture houses is organized, with their hierarchy and know-how. Over the decades, following the vagaries of history or technological innovations, metamorphosis follows metamorphosis: shapes change (before returning), like the silhouettes of women whose beauty is tirelessly celebrated. Le Bouquin de la mode tells the story of this demanding yet frivolous world.
Designed by Olivier Saillard and a team of specialists, this volume also includes an anthology of texts, the earliest dating from the 14th century and the boldest from the 21st. Writers have always reflected the fashions of their time; some have endeavored to "systematize" them, while others have mocked or magnified them. It's everywhere, often hidden in the details of accessories, in a bag that extends a girl's arm, in jewelry, perfume or make-up. From time to time, Fashion takes the floor, engaging in tasty dialogues with Virtue or Death. She wonders about those who make her and those who follow her, the queen of the modern world.