Learn all about the evolution of costume and dress in this lavishly illustrated guide. From the extravagance of Ancient Egypt, through the legendary houses of Chanel and Dior, to today's catwalk sensations, this gorgeous, carefully curated collection shows how fashion reflects people and places, and captures the times in which they lived. Packed with a dazzling combination of original fashion plates, archive images, and commissioned photography, this beautiful source book takes you on a fabulous tour across the centuries as it catalogues the history of what people wear, revealing how Western fashion has been influenced by design from around the world, and celebrating everything from costume to haute couture. Expert commentary captures the turning points of fashion history, such as when hemlines rose to reveal a glimpse of stocking, youngsters pulled on jeans and "invented" teenagers, the red carpet became a runway, and celebrities became designers. Fashion icons take centre-stage too, with features on famous trend-setters and designers, such as Elizabeth I, Marie Antoinette, and Alexander McQueen, who set the style for each generation. Fashion is an indispensible work of reference whether you're a fashion-mad teen, a wannabe designer, or someone intrigued by the violent origins of the stiletto or the birth of bling. If it's ever been in fashion, it's in this book.