Over the course of the last 180 years, designers have propelled fashion from an elite craft into a cornerstone of popular culture. This brilliantly written guide to the lives and collections of 55 iconic fashion designers draws on the latest academic research and the best of fashion journalism, including the authors' own interviews with designers. Beginning with 19th century couturier Charles Frederick Worth and concluding with the star names of the 2010s, Polan and Tredre detail each designer's working methods and career highlights with engaging essays that capture the spirit of their times.
This revised edition has hundreds of inspiring colour photos and features five new designer profiles: Hedi Slimane, Raf Simons, Phoebe Philo, Alessandro Michele and Demna Gvasalia. It's also been updated throughout to reflect a fashion world in constant ferment, with designers swapping jobs and fashion houses at unprecedented speed. The industry has expanded into a global phenomenon and designers have emerged as true celebrities; The Great Fashion Designers explores their passion and flair, showing us fashion at its most inspirational.
The Great Fashion Designers
Brenda Polan and Roger Tredre
A lavishly illustrated guide to the lives and achievements of some of the most influential fashion designers of the last 180 years.Rights Sold
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Book Details
Imprint: Bloomsbury Visual Arts
Publication Date: 22-01-2026
Format: Paperback | 246 x 189mm | 424 pagesAbout the Authors
Brenda Polan is a fashion writer, editor, lecturer and academic. She was Fashion Editor and Women’s Page Editor of The Guardian and has written for all Britain’s major newspapers and many magazines. She was formerly Programme Director (Media) at London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London.
Roger Tredre is Course Leader for the MA in Fashion Communication, at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London. Prior to his academic career, he worked in newspaper journalism and was the first Editor-in-Chief of WGSN, the online fashion trends and research business. He has consulted widely for many leading fashion brands.
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