Design

This little book charts iconic designer Yves St Laurent's tumultuous rise to the top, accompanied by facts and quotes from, and about, the man himself and the fashion legacy he built.

Since 1921, Gucci has been a titan of the luxury fashion industry. Celebrated for its exclusive high-end accessories, the brand reigns supreme for its signature leather goods and decadent garments that have elegantly combined the understated with the opulent.

More than 100 years ago, Gucci took the world by storm as a luxury luggage and equstrian outfitter, quickly becoming a giant of 1990s haute couture. The highly sought-after products would only become more exclusive with time, and since then the company has gone from strength to strength. Under the watchful eyes of Alessandro Michele and now, Sabato de Sarno, the brand has made its mark on streetwear, inspring a new generation of fans.

Brimming with fascinating facts and inspirational quotes from celebrities, fans and the creative heads at Gucci, this little guide documents not only the brand's extraordinary journey, but also the elusive family at the helm.

'Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten.'
Aldo Gucci

For over 150 years, Louis Vuitton's monographed bags have been associated with style and luxury.

Born in 1821, he had left home at 13 to seek his fortune in Paris where he became an apprentice box-maker which eventually led him to introductions at the French Royal Court. With royal endorsement, Louis opened of his first workshop in 1854 where his skills and innovations established his brand as one of Europe's most popular.

Passing his passion for crafting beautiful luggage onto his son, Georges, and later his grandson Gaston-Louis, they ensured the company continued to grow, surviving two world wars, to become the luxury brand it's renowned for.

Louis Vuitton stores opened in cities throughout the world and expanded into other high-end brands. The merger in 1987 with Möet Hennessy created the megabrand LVMH, and in 1997 the appointment of Marc Jacobs launched Louis Vuitton into the world of fashion.

"The Louis Vuitton woman is more about a quality - a quality within some women that needs to come forward, to be noticed and recognized."
Marc Jacobs

"There's a lot of baggage that comes along with our family, but it's like Louis Vuitton baggage."
Kim Kardashian

"Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury."
Louis Vuitton

Though his life was relatively short, Christian Ernest Dior's seismic influence on the fashion world ensures his name lives on as one of the most successful and celebrated designers of all time. Using the rationing restrictions of wartime, he created designs that extenuated the female figure and released the women of the world from the restrictive, dull clothing that restricted rather than enhanced femininity.

It was Dior's sudden prominence on the world stage that restored Paris' reputation as the epicentre of the fashion world. To wear a Dior item of clothing, was to wear the best of the best. His post-War collection was described as a completely 'new look' by the editor-in-chief of Harper's Bazaar, one of the world's most powerful style magazines. The description was adopted and quickly became a fashion movement, with Dior's 'New Look' leading the way and even stealing the limelight from compatriot Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel.

The Little Guide to Christian Dior shows how despite coming from a wealthy background with powerful allies, Christian Dior may not have had to scrap his way to the top as Coco Chanel did, but his talent is no less worthy and his legacy as one of the world's greatest designers is no less deserving.

'My dream? To make women happier and more beautiful.'
As seen on Living in Fifties Fashion, 'Salute Mr Dior'

The iconic dress that has stood the test of time.

Contemporary yet classic, the little black dress never goes out of style. Popularized by Coco Chanel in the 1920s, the style freed women from the corset and became the epitome of liberation. Dubbed the 'Ford of fashion' by American Vogue, it was simple, stylish and affordable – 'the frock that all the world will wear'.

Tracing the fascinating evolution of the LBD, from Audrey Hepburn's sleek Givenchy sheath in Breakfast at Tiffany's or Princess Diana's rebellious 'revenge dress' right through to the mesh detailing and body-sculpting shapes of recent years, this little book is a celebration of one of fashion's most iconic garments.

A collection of over 170 quotes and fascinating facts about the creative genius who gave us the Little Black Dress and Chanel No. 5

Almost 50 years after her death, Coco Chanel remains one of the world's most influential fashion designers. Her story is one of creative brilliance and innovation – she was a driving force in freeing women from the restrictive clothing they had been obliged to wear for generations. 'In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different,' Chanel would say, and throughout her life she demonstrated extraordinary passion and determination to change the world around her. 

This little book is packed with memorable facts about Coco Chanel’s life and influence, and full of quotes from the icon herself and some of the many people inspired by her. There is much wisdom to glean from Chanel's self-reflections, while her sharp wit and joie de vivre will amuse, surprise and inspire in equal measure. 

'Fashion changes, but style endures.' 

As seen on vogue.co.uk, 18 August 2017, by Julia Neel. 

'Nobody has ever told Coco Chanel what to think.' 

As seen on dailymail.co.uk, 10 September 2019, by Caroline Howe. 

'A girl should be two things: who and what she wants.' 

As seen on marieclaire.co.uk, 4 October 2016, by Mariel Reed. 

'The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.' 

As seen on harpersbazaar.com, 12 August 2017.